The Coop that Love Built...

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 shows that love is more than a feeling or a mood—it is a behavior. Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, and it is not easily angered or resentful. Love rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. True love is a reflection of God’s character.

My husband was a reflection of God’s character, and I have no doubt of his love for me. He exemplified it daily. One of the many examples was the chicken coop he and my dad built for me.

He had no desire for chickens and certainly had better ways to spend his time and money, but he built it anyway—for me.

Not only did he spend his weekends building a chicken coop to my exact specifications, but he also set up brood boxes and feeders to make sure they were well cared for.

My first set of chicks were very pampered. They were raised in the house, then moved to the garage, and finally to the coop when they were old enough. They stunk up the house and the garage and made quite a mess, but they were loved. During the day, they even got to free range in the backyard.

Harley Quinn was wonderful with the chickens and watched over them diligently. The chickens I have now are not nearly so privileged. They went straight to a brood box—also known as a tote—in the coop, and their free-ranging days are over. Unlike Harley, Selah and Boaz see them more as chicken nuggets than friends.

I am not even sure why I wanted chickens so badly in the first place. Of course, the fresh eggs are wonderful, and I love being able to share them with family and friends. There is also something deeply satisfying about knowing you can raise your own food and take care of yourself.

That reminds me of another way my husband showed his love for me. He encouraged me and supported me in becoming an independent, confident woman. Because of him, I am able to carry on in his absence.