Born uniquely made, she couldn’t find a place to “fit in.” She spent countless hours trying “this” and trying “that” but still; she couldn’t manage to squeeze into any circles.

She sorrowed as those around her stifled her joy, mocked her efforts for destiny, and limped from time to time behind the others.

Some circles allowed her to tag along but their hearts weren’t really for her. They seemed to keep her around only long enough to use what she had to offer. Her love ran deep and loyalty was a trait she bore that often kept her in a place too long and without much honor.

Her voice was different than those she was used to and her heart ached to be a part of a circle of friends that honored her for just who she was.

For a long time the little duckling followed the crowd of people and did her best to mimic their ways. But she still felt so out of place…and lonely.

She could see the whispering ducklings that she tried to play with often. They wouldn’t accept her as part of their team and sometimes an inner sadness was so piercing she retreated to a quiet place where her tears could fall unseen.

As she wept in the dark a tender voice broke through the silence.

“Little one, I’ve seen your tears and your pain.”

The little duckling wiped her face and sheepishly looked up to where the voice was coming from.

“Father?”

“Yes, my daughter.”

“I can’t seem to find my place in your Kingdom,” said the little duckling.

“Little one, you’ve tried your entire life to fit in with others. But I created you to stand out from the crowd.”

The little duckling listened intently as tears continued streaming down her face.

“I designed you for a unique and specific mission. The nature of your assignment requires dependence on Me alone.

While you’ve been clinging to others around you I have been “making room for your gift.” However, you must now change rooms. The “rooms” you keep entering will not allow your gift to flourish.

Do you remember how I walked among My own people, yet they knew me not? The same has been true for you.”

Suddenly, out of nowhere walked a tribe of …..ducklings? Well, they looked a bit different than the other ducklings she had been following.

Just as this thought was being pondered in her heart, the Father stirred a pool of water before her. She glanced at her reflection as the ripples stilled and she looked back at the tribe passing by joyfully.

Delight arose in her heart as she glanced up at Father. He smiled and said, “Your new season requires new faces. As I formed you, I had hidden within you a prophetic heart that one day would become a mouthpiece for My Kingdom. These you now see are those who understand the need for your gift. They will honor you as you honor Me.”

With a push of Father’s hand He nudged her to join the tribe. They jumped with glee as they took her into their fold. They recognized what Father had placed in her and they began encouraging her to press into her gifts for the sake of Father’s Kingdom.

As she smiled and looked up to the Father with an understanding bow, she heard Him say,

“You were never a duckling at all, little one….you were always made to be a Swan.”