Chickens and Muddy Puddles

After months of drought in our area, it seems impossible that I would in any way tire of so much rain. But after three days in a row of walking in my raincoat between storms, and the cancellation of the Winter Festival 2025 that I know was a heartbreak to many, I felt a bit hopeful that the rain might soon stop. When walking in the rain on the last day of the persistent showers, with our sandy neighborhood roads filled with puddles of water, I saw something interesting. Free-roaming chickens had taken to the streets. Birds that can sometimes be heard, but rarely seen, had come out of their hideaways to peck in the muddy puddles.  

I wondered whether they were drinking or eating. But after a little research, I learned that apparently they were doing both. Those who raise chickens agree that they seem to prefer muddy water, perhaps for the grit in the water or the bugs, seeds, or grass they may find there. The concern is the parasites or toxic minerals that they may ingest that could harm them.  

In an article that I read by Sensei Alex Kakuyo titled “Thirsty Chickens and Dirty Water,” he discussed the importance of keeping clean water for chickens who tend to defecate in their water feeders. He noticed something interesting the first time he spilled clean water on the ground as he was trying to leave the roost after replenishing their fresh water.  He writes: “In their rush to get water the chickens will often drink from the puddles that form on the ground in their roost, ignoring the fresh water in their feeder.  This happens when I spill some on the ground and it also happens when it rains.” 

After watching this behavior for some time, Kakuyo believes that for his chickens, it is a matter of convenience. Whichever water option is nearest is the one from which the chicken will drink. As a Sensei, or teacher, he sees this as a teachable moment about human nature and our own preference for that which is convenient.  

We are at the time of year when convenience can be a high priority. Many of us have more activities, more responsibilities, more “to dos” on our list than we can accomplish.  Finding what is simplest, easiest, and quickest may feel like the best we can offer. But for many of us, the call of this time of year, in its essence, is to slow down, to be still, to reflect and wonder as we go deeper into the meaning of our own lives, the understanding of what it means to be human, and the mystery of life itself.  

For Christians, this invitation comes in Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of the Christ-child. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas, November 30^th this year, and ends with ChristmasDay. The Advent Season involves intentional, dynamic waiting, anticipating the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the day he will come again, and the many days that he comes to our hearts. Some Christians read a daily reflection including scripture and prayer each day of Advent.

The themes of the music sung and heard, the worship offered, and the prayers prayed during the Advent Season have to do with light in the darkness, hope in despair, love in the face of hate, and peace in the midst of strife. Amidst the busyness of the season, including so many kindnesses shown to those we know and those we may not know but care about who are suffering, self-reflection, and a willingness to do the hard work of allowing love to transform us, is important in this holy season.  

For Jewish people, this invitation comes in Hanukkah, which begins this year at sundown on December 14 and extends until sundown on Monday, December 22. Hanukkah is Judaism’s celebration of the military victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian King, Antiochus, who in 168 BCE desecrated their temple and demanded their allegiance to him. It is a story about resistance and the courage to stand up against those who would do harm. But, for some Jewish Americans, this year’s celebrations are tempered by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and the growing antisemitism concerns closer to home. While considered a “minor Jewish festival,” Hanukkah is a beloved Jewish holiday for many, some of whom are looking beyond its militaristic meaning, and even its miraculous story of replenishing oil for the temple lamp, to focus on the lights themselves. I read a lovely poem about making Hanukkah a holiday of searching for sources of inner light in the midst of a dark time while retaining pride in Jewish identity. Written by Herbert Levine, author of the newly published “Blessed Are You, Wondrous Universe––A Siddur for Seekers: Non-Theistic Jewish Prayers,” it is a prayer that holds a tenderness that seems congruent with going beyond convenience in our spiritual practices.  

“Meditation before the Hanukkah Candles” 

At a great distance from wondrous miracles, 

I sit and watch the tiny candles 

Burning in my deep diaspora, 

Competing with their small light 

Against the giant blaze of Christmas, 

And feel grateful for a festival of small lights, 

Because only from small actions— 

Giving a soft answer, 

Turning away anger, 

Increasing peace at home— 

Is the world sustained. 

Blessed is our tradition 

Dedicating small candles 

To great deeds. 

I have friends in Tallahassee who raise chickens and find them not only utilitarian but dearly beloved pets. I am grateful for our neighborhood chickens that piqued my curiosity with their interesting muddy puddle behavior. I am thankful for Sensei Kakuyo who set me to thinking about how I need not settle for convenience in this holy season of light and life.  And I am stirred by this lovely poem that inspires small actions which require intention and attention during this season of going deeper. It is my prayer that in whatever way we celebrate the holidays, we will look to be transformed and inspired to repair the world with the healing it so desperately needs.  

Rev. Candace McKibben 

December 11, 2025