I come out to the back porch to have a nice cup of joe & to my surprise, there are like 800 birds covering the bird feeder, the surrounding rails, and the tree onlooking. It doesn't take long for these birds' activities to draw me in. I'm watching, and all of the sudden, it's high school out there. Although there's more than enough bird seed to go around, there's a small group of the birds that have fully dominated the feeder and aren't allowing ANY other birds to tread on what is now their territory. I LOVE when things in nature prove that we too, are all a bunch of selfish animals. Now these birds are legit. They've got that feeder on lock and if an outsider tries to jump on and snatch a seed, they'd better be ready to take a pretty nasty peck down, because from where I'm sitting, that doesn't..."fly"(athank you). There's even you're token odd ball bird who, bless his heart, is a dangerous shade of orange, a little rounder than the rest of the birds and has markings around his eyes that suggest he also wears glasses.
So I get all noble. I'm thinking, "these birds should just share and quit pecking each other. There's plenty to go around." I thought about going over and "shooing" the mean birds away and giving the other guys a chance and I kid you not, the alpha bird kinda intimidated me. What started as a courageous act of kindness ended in, "well...I don't want him to peck me and embarrass me in front of everyone." I choked.
Then I thought, watching the birds, this must be how God feels at times. Although there's plenty to go around, and there's much more where that came from and you're better off trusting that and loving one another, we all feel the innate need to survive by pecking each other off the feeder. He says no worries. He says he's got this.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds in the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
-Matthew 6:25-26
*I go to the Dr. tomorrow for blood work, then the 27th for my 2nd treatment.*
7 comments:
This is definitely the "latter" part of your parent's life. You need not disclaim the fact with your courteous "just kiddin" comment. While we had to get to the other side of age 50 to enjoy the birds, it is refreshing to know that something we take for granted each day (birds eating) has allowed you the privilege to further dig into God's word and apply it to all of our lives.
Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...
Love, Mom
You should submit this piece of writing - its really good.
Stockard would love that you have given in to the joy of birdwatching. She loves our frequent visitors...Matilda, Bob, Joey, (the list is long) they all hold a special place in her heart. She watches over them with anticipation each day. Sweet girl, even stands beside the feeder like a statue hoping one will mistakenly land on her...And like all of us, she just wants to be a part of the action, even if the consequence is a little bird poop in the hair.
Zach is right.. this is a good piece of writing. You should write some n submit them n see where it goes.
You are hearing the voice of our God in a powerful way Christie.....I am continuously amazed at the way he speaks truth in the depths of our hearts - even through the birds!!! We miss you here - I saw Lauren walking down the street yesterday from the bus stop - I'm certain she misses her "personal driver".....
Christie,
You are indeed your Mother's child! I read all your blogs and am constantly amazed and inspired by your writings. Isn't it funny that when we get down to...God is the only place left to go..it's then that his word becomes so clear. I guess that's because it's then that we are really listening. We've all been there...some of us more often than others. When you finally say, O.K. God I'm letting you have this, you're the only one that can handle it...and he says back.....I had it all along.
i have a wonderful idea! i'll bring you justin's old sling shot, you can referee the birds (i'm sure a little sting;although not deadly, would make their play more fair!), handle up on some of that booboo on the swing, and entertain yourself all at the same time! ie...killin' 2 birds in with one stone!! <3...b
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