Consider the birds… (4)

Most birds were designed by God to fly. There are a few exceptions of bird species that do not fly.

New Zealand has the largest population of birds that do not fly either by design or adaptation to the environment.

Birds like the penguin fly through the water. The emu and ostrich do not fly but run. It is a wonderful thing to see birds flying. The eagle and hawk soar. The seagull and tern seem to float. The humming bird hovers. The sparrows flit. Geese fly in vee formation. Swallows seem to swirl.

My sister, Arlene, loves birds. She is an artist and a care taker of birds. She also volunteers at Liberty Wildlife a wild life rescue and recovery service in the Phoenix, Arizona area. When birds come to Liberty, they have been injured. A quick decision is made about treatment. Some birds are treated with the view that they will be able to be released back into the wild. Other birds are so damaged that they will never be able to fly again or fend for themselves. Volunteers and staff have to be especially careful about how they work with birds because the bird can form a bond to the humans taking care of them and will lose their fear of man and not be able to live in the wild. There is always great joy when a bird is rescued, recovers from its injuries and is released into the wild.

We can learn a lot about life by observing bird behaviour. As we watch them, we contemplate and associate human behaviours with bird traits. Wise owls encourage us to be wise. Silly geese and daffy ducks describe our goofy times. Clucking hens can sound like nagging. Crowing crows sound like bragging. We try to avoid practicing the pecking order. When a woman is about to give birth, she begins to nest. Birds inspire in some the desire to fly.

The two wings of a bird can help us understand the importance of both salvation and sanctification for the Christian life. We need both if we are going to be able to soar spiritually and powerfully. If we “wait on” or serve the Lord we will mount up with wings like eagles or run and not get weary like the ostrich. We are praying that the Holy Spirit be the wind beneath your wings this week as you soar the heavenlies with God.

By Commissioner Debi Bell