The Constipated Duck

There is an image often used to describe how someone is feeling about their life.

You see, there is a duck.  In my mind; this duck is a beautiful, white, whimsical duck.  This amazing water fowl is floating aimlessly on the calm waters of Dale Hollow Lake.  Mr. duck appears to not have a care in the world.  However, upon closer inspection, this duck’s webbed feet are paddling rapidly; trying to keep this duck floating on the water.

I have added my own view to this story.  You see, the duck has a calm expression on his face.  It never changes.  Then, all of a sudden, the duck’s face begins to change.  The duck takes on the look of constipation. You know the grimace…the trying to pretend everything is okay…but it truly isn’t?

That’s how life can be.  Many people, regardless of their occupation, can sometimes look like a constipated duck. In fact, I am sure I looked this way this past week. Item after item was piled onto the to do list.  Teaching, being a mom, being a wife, being a church leader, etc.  Everything just kept piling on.  I tried to put on the calm face while paddling like crazy, but I know the grimace began to surface.

So what do you do?  What do you do when you begin to look like the constipated duck?  Do you give in to the thoughts and doubts running through your head?  Do you power through and persevere?  Do you crumble under the pressure?  Do you cry? Do you eat ice cream?  Do you call your best friend and vent?  Do you pray? Do you dig into the bible? Do you go for a run?

For me, I do a combination of things.  I find a way to take the constipated look off of my face.  It might take a day or two, but the stress eventually “passes.”

It’s okay to be a constipated duck.  It happens to all of us.  Just find your way to return to your version of the majestic water fowl that is the white duck.