“…but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things
enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19)
Songbirds! That’s what we’re attracting to our bird feeder these days. A wide assortment that collect each day to feast on the breakfast of seeds and nuts that Mary diligently assembles for them each day.
That is until the squirrels showed up. These resourceful and agile and committed critters are determined and fearless. We’ve opened our sliding glass door many, many times to frighten them away, only to have them return moments later. When the squirrels are present, the songbirds are not.
And so, I took on the task of “relocating” the squirrels… and not to heaven, but to another address in Aurora, Colorado. I placed a live animal trap on the railing of my deck, right next to the feeder. An ample supply of peanut butter (crunchy, of course), and we waited to see what would happen.
Success. A squirrel. Incensed at my audacity to outwit him, and then a five mile drive to a new home. I was delighted, until upon my return home, another squirrel was ravaging the feeder… and consequently, displacing the songbirds.
So.. repeat the relocation, again and again and again and again and again. That’s right, six squirrels later and now the songbirds sing.
Songbirds. A worthwhile effort.
The beauty. The melody. The simplicity…
And a very happy wife to boot.
In order for the songbirds to sing I had to be willing to relocate the squirrels. Not just chase them away, but get rid of them.
The cares. The worries. The persistent distractions. The pressure to perform… squirrels.
It’s time to relocate the squirrels. It’s time to do more than just wish them away or scowl at them. More is necessary than just stomping on the deck… it’s time to vanquish them.
For the sake of the songbirds. For the joy of His salvation. For the celebration of beauty. Relocate the squirrels.
Unleash the songbirds.
{ 0 comments… add one now }