I was running late for an appointment as I rushed to  leave the house and get into my truck. I opened the driver’s  side door and  jumped in quickly. Then I had a “prompting” . I had a strong feeling to get out and look behind my truck.  I tried to ignore it, but it kept getting stronger and stronger . I decided to get back out of my truck and take a look. At first I didn’t see anything so I thought that maybe my “ gut feeling” must have been just a mistake. I was more focused on getting to my appointment on time. As I headed back to my truck, I glanced down and then I saw something brown and wiggly, so I squatted down to get a better look. It was actually a tiny baby newborn chick all by himself right behind my back left truck tire. As I stared at him , I reached out and tried to pick him up. He actually let me . I knew this was unusual as baby chicks are very fearful and run away from everything. After I picked him up, I saw his mom and brothers and sisters very far away across the yard. I walked towards them making sure to get far away from the back of my truck and I placed him down in the grass. He walked a few steps then he stopped. Again I reached down to pick him up and I noticed his feet were a little bent backwards. I walked more towards his family and placed him down on the ground. Again he walked for a short distance then stopped. I repeated this four times while watching his little legs trying to determine if he had a disability and if he was going to be safe. After he reached his family , he was able to stay close to them, especially to his mom. He began to walk all around with them with no problems.

As I got back into my truck , I couldn’t help but think about that little fellow and wondered what all of that had really meant . I knew that the initial “prompting” had saved the little chick’s life. If I hadn’t checked the back of my truck I would have surely run him over. But I knew that this encounter represented so much more. This little fellow could walk but needed a little help sometimes like a little “nudge” , or to be picked up, and some encouragement along the way. I think each of us could use a little of these things sometimes too. Life’s challenges can hit us hard and can make us feel unsteady , tired, and maybe a little lost or alone. I believe if we pay close attention to the “promptings” or our “gut feelings” , we can see each other , and maybe just maybe be that person who can give someone in need a bit of help or encouragement just when it’s needed the most .I believe these opportunities are all around us and we can see them if we will take that extra moment to notice. I am so thankful for this message from a baby chick. I could have so easily missed this little miracle moment.