We always have a choice

I often find that nature provides some of life's greatest lessons if we're willing to slow down and pay attention.

My wife and I have created a small sanctuary for animals on our little piece of land in the beautiful Oley Valley. Recently, one of our ducks, Cher, taught me a lesson I didn't expect.

Cher began nesting on eight eggs, preparing to become a mother for the first time. She did exactly what she was designed to do. She patiently laid her eggs and waited until she was finished before fully settling into the nest so they would hatch together.

My first lesson: discover your purpose and walk in it.

Cher was doing everything right. Then tragedy struck. A predator found the nest and decided that eight eggs would make a good lunch.

Just like that, her plans were gone.

My second lesson: we can design, plan, and strive toward a goal, only to have circumstances beyond our control completely change the path.

For several days afterward, Cher seemed lost.

My wife, whose compassion continually amazes me, decided to help. She brought home two ducklings from the local Tractor Supply in hopes that Cher could still experience motherhood.

My third lesson: people are often willing to show compassion and empathy if we allow them to—and if we're willing to offer the same in return.

We moved Cher's nest into a protected pen and introduced her to the two tiny ducklings. Then we waited.

Would she accept them? Would she reject them? Would my wife and I find ourselves parenting two ducklings several times a day?

The uncertainty revealed another lesson.

We always have a choice. We can remain stuck in what was lost, or we can move forward toward what still might be.

That choice impacts not only us but also those around us.

I am happy to report that Cher chose to move forward.

She adopted those two little ducklings as her own.

Now, when we enter the pen, she steps between us and her babies. The ducklings splash happily in their water dish while Mom stands nearby, watchful and protective. It is a beautiful sight to witness.

Watching this little family reminded me of a few truths that apply far beyond the animal world:

• Our purpose is important. Discover it, share it, and walk in it.

• Stay flexible. Life will often force us to adjust our plans in ways we never anticipated.

• Don't take the journey alone. Find people who show compassion, challenge you to grow, and cheer you on when the road gets difficult. Cher was fortunate to have my wife. So am I.

• When heartache and disappointment arrive—and they will—we always have a choice. Moving forward doesn't mean ignoring the pain. It means carrying the pain while continuing the journey.

• When beauty appears in your life, don't rush past it. Pause. Take it in. Stay in the moment long enough to appreciate it.

Sometimes wisdom doesn't come from a boardroom, a book, or a seminar.

Sometimes it comes from a duck named Cher and two little ducklings who found each other when life didn't go according to plan.