Turtle on a Fencepost

Last week we attended the funeral of a dear friend’s husband. We never met him, but what we heard and saw in stories and photos made it feel like we did know him. One of the stories we heard was about the “Turtle on a Fence Post”.

If you’ve ever seen a turtle on a fencepost, you know one thing for sure, he didn’t climb up there on his own. The truth is – the turtle was probably in a world of “HELP! I need somebody!”

It’s a tiny, shelled reminder that sometimes we all need a little help getting where we’re supposed to be – especially if we’re stuck on a fence post or stuck in mud or snow or in life!

I read the original story of a turtle on a fence post and just why he got there. Seems when a farmer plows his field, he always makes sure to look out for turtles. Even with his heavy machinery, if he were to run over a turtle, its hard shell could dull or even break his equipment.

So, when a farmer comes across a turtle in his field, rather than annihilating him, he will pick him up and carry him to the top of the nearest fence post. That way, he spares the turtle when he takes him down as the field is now plowed.

Isn’t life a lot like that? We all have moments where we find ourselves in places that we never thought we could reach. Maybe it’s a job we never thought we’d land, a relationship that’s a beautiful surprise, or a season of life that’s just so sweet.

In those moments, it’s clear — we didn’t get there by ourselves. God’s hand is steady, guiding us, lifting us up, even when we feel slow and a little too weighed down, just like our turtle friend.

So, maybe the turtle (or you and me) are up there taking in the view, resting, or just getting a new perspective on life. How many of us could use a fresh perspective? Maybe God places us in higher places not so we can brag about the climb but so we can see more clearly what He’s doing in our lives.

And if we feel like we’re not where we want to be yet, take heart! We’re all a little like that turtle — sometimes it’s about trusting the process and knowing that even if we don’t have the strength to get there on our own, God has a way of lifting us up.

So, the next time we feel stuck, let’s remember, we’re not climbing alone, and we never know when we’ll find ourselves lifted to new heights. We trust the process while moving forward, slow and steady, while God maneuvers us to HIS plan to get us exactly where we’re supposed to be!

“Oh, the plans I have for you, “ says the Lord! Let’s trust the process!