Sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll in, I noticed something new. Ducks floating on the water. I've seen ducks many times but never in the ocean. There were four---two males and two juveniles---all small and insignificant in the great expanse of the Atlantic.

They paddled ashore, one surfing a small wave. Then three ducks closed in around the other, an injured juvenile, and all nestled down in the sand, heads turned from the wind. Though people walked along the beach, some coming quite close, few noticed the little ducks.

Then things took a turn. A large fish crow landed nearby and hopped ever closer to the ducks. Suddenly he thrust his large black beak toward the ducks and grabbed the injured juvenile by its wing. The duckling struggled as the crow dragged it from the others.

Immediately I put on my Superman cape and ran to the rescue. I wildly waved my arms and yelled terrifying words, such as "Hey" and "Stop that", none of which bothered the crow. Still, he soon released his prey and took flight. Glancing back, he seemed to be laughing, though I can't be sure.

The little duck, suffering from PTCS (post traumatic crow syndrome), hurried to the others. And for the rest of the day I was their guardian, protector, friend, and honorary member of this badelynge (pronounced badling) of ducks. And I was the baddest of them all.

But there was something not right about all of this. The crow's arrival drew a lot of attention and many finally noticed the four little ducks. They watched as the crow hopped around. They saw him reach in and grab the injured baby duck.

Yet as the crow attempted to make off with his catch, they did absolutely nothing, as if they were mindlessly watching a wildlife special on TV. They were disengaged, not involved. They didn't care. After all, the crow wasn't dragging them away. I was angry.

In my righteousness God whispered, How different are you? You rushed to the aid of a duck. Do you always rush to care for my children who are injured and need my comfort?

Wow. It's "love one another" again. Why is it so easy to criticize than build up? To proclaim failure than look for success? To mention love and encouragement than be the example of both?

Judging, criticizing, and tearing others down are natural. We are made new by God's Holy Spirit, but that natural side remains. Even surrounded by Christian brothers and sisters, this natural side seeks to reach in, grab us unaware, and drag us away from the fellowship and love of God.

Remember: We are all injured from time to time---physically, emotionally, spiritually---and need love that is sincere and real. In turn, we must share such love with all around us, not only those known to be injured, but the many who stand to the side and do nothing. They have injuries, too.