Protection - Inside and Out

Last weekend, my daughter and I took an overnight trip. Our gracious friends made breakfast for us. I had forgotten that they raised laying hens. What a treat—fresh eggs!

I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful brown shells and how smooth, hard, and thick they were. Having moved from our own farm a few years ago, I was reminded of the quality of both eggs and shells.

A shell’s hardness depends on the age and health of the hen and the quality of its diet. Not just an average diet, but one rich with oyster shells or calcium. Something a little extra. In order to possess something extraordinary, the hen must be healthy and well nourished.

That isn’t so different from our spiritual life, is it? To be spiritually healthy, we must be active, reading God’s word in order to be close to him. Remaining in him keeps us focused and strong. We must also practice our faith by helping others. Doing for others is a great way to boost our own joy while helping someone else. It keeps our mindset strong.

Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV reads, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

As you might expect, this also applies to the wonderful egg within the shell. The yoke is brilliant yellow and, when broken, the egg white does not run like water, but remains intact around the yoke. The shell protects what is inside of it.