[Chicken Coop on Napa] Station 4: Jesus meets his Mother

You have no doubt heard the perennial question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” But you probably haven’t heard the question, “Which came first the mother or the child?” Without a mother, there is no child. Without a child, there is no mother. In the act of birthing, whether through biology, intention, or adoption, parents and children are born. In the act of loving and nurturing, children and parents experience life.

Directly across from Epworth is a large chicken coop called the “Chick Inn.” The family who cares for these chickens demonstrates to all of us the possibilities we have for living together in harmony with creatures of all sorts. The care shown to the chickens who live across from Epworth is like the care of a mother for her child.

It may come as a surprise, but chickens have a calming effect on humans. Chickens offer significant therapeutic benefits for people of all ages and are proving a powerful therapeutic tool for those suffering from anxiety, depression, isolation, loneliness and dementia. Just like a mother soothes a child, chickens can ease stress. As Jesus meets his mother while carrying his cross, we are reminded that comfort is present even in the most surprising of places. We are reminded that God is always with us, our great Mother.

Station 4: Jesus meets his mother