God says to us: “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…” Chicks wander, scatter, and run aimlessly after anything that captures their attention. Chicks are us…so easily drawn away from the warmth, protection, and love of God’s sheltering wings. But it is in Jesus, whose arms stretched wide on the cross for you and me, that we find an invitation to return to that safe forgiving, and constant love. All we need do is trust that his outstretched arms are strong enough, his wings are broad enough to keep us safe-both now and forever…for in the shadow of those wings, we are saved! Amen.