A Pair of Ducks

When it rains, it pours...

I hate this saying. Why?

Well, because it seems so pessimistic. However, there are times in life when this phrase is very accurate. It is those times when multiple negative situations occur at the same time, and what initially felt like a slight drizzle turns into a downpour. No matter how optimistic you might want to be, there comes a moment when you have to face reality and say, "This sucks, and I really wish things were different right now."

The Pair of Ducks Philosophy

Liesel and I learned about the pair of ducks philosophy during a training course that we took about 5 years ago. The idea is there are two types of ducks, the “yay duck”, and the “yuck duck”. Ok, I know at this moment you might be wondering, what in the world?? Bare with me. This training was meant to be applicable to families. Therefore: ducks. 

Ok so, we have these two ducks — one is yay, and the other is yuck. Let's be honest, I think that we would all prefer the yay duck way more since it is comfort, safety, and all the nice stuff. But honestly, that is very unrealistic. Life is not perfect, and there will be plenty of times in life that we will have to acknowledge the yuck duck in the corner.

Think about it this way, the yay duck sees the positive in every situation, and on the flip side, the yuck duck sees the negatives. Together they are a paradox (or a pair of ducks… get it?). While it is easy for us to tend toward the yay duck, it is essential for us to acknowledge both because, in any given situation, both perspectives are equally valid.

It is important to remember that both the yay duck and yuck duck are constantly swimming together. So if at this moment the yay duck is "swimming in front of you”, do not forget that the yuck duck is right there with it.

For example, when Liesel and I first moved overseas, we were excited about all the new things we would experience and learn (yay duck). Still, at the same time, we had to acknowledge the sadness that we were experiencing when we had to say goodbye to friends and family (yuck duck). By recognizing both sets of emotions, we were able to have a healthier outlook on our situation.

Therefore, when we are in situations where the phrase "when it rains, it pours" is applicable, it is essential to realize the yay moments that are also occurring.

Our Real Paradox

Recently, we were blessed with the birth of our second son! However, with this birth, some medical conditions occurred as well. At this moment, it can be easy to focus solely on the yuck duck and forget about all the yay duck moments. 

For instance, we have a healthy new son and praise God he sleeps decently well for a newborn. Our firstborn loves and enjoys being a big brother and has been super helpful during this season. We also have been blessed with fantastic support from our family and friends, and most importantly, we are never alone because we have a God who is always with us.

So at this moment, when it seems like it is pouring, we have to honestly admit that it doesn't seem that bad because there are so many things to be thankful for. Yes, there are some pretty significant concerns that we are facing right now, but you know what, God is good, and in Isiah 41:10, it says, "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I hope that this truth helps you like it has helped me when I process my “Pair of Ducks.”