Today, I was visiting our little craftsman cottage on Galveston Island. This property is nearly 100 years old. It has a few creepy elements that are on my list to remodel. The old wooden windows are high on my list to be replaced. We are constantly chasing the birds away from these old windows. For some reason, mother birds like to make nests in the storm shutters and encourage their babies to hide out there on cold windy days.
When I arrived, I heard some rustling and chirping near the master bedroom window. I found a tiny birdie that seemed to be signaling to me that it needed help. When it saw me, it stopped moving and waited to see my response. When I stood and stared at the birdie, it seemed to demonstrate that it could not find its way out up to the top of the window where the screen was torn. It was fluttering up and down the window as if to show me it could not find its way out. At this point, I was concerned that I was its only life line. I went outside with a broom, but realized that the only way to free it was to open the window and risk it flying into the house; totally not gonna do THAT! Or, make a small hole in the bottom of the screen and coax the bird out. Of course I chose the latter option since I need these windows replaced anyway. The bird was a bit hesitant at first, but once it realized that I had made a way of escape, it mustered the courage to fly out the window. I’m sure it was risk since it did not know whether I was here to help or harm it. He flew away and I felt very thankful that I happened to pick today to visit the cottage.
This little incident got me to thinking. Are there other small gifts of service I can offer to help free another from a situation that could open up a real life line? It literally took only 5 minutes of my time, a little Love, and enough concern for the bird to ensure that it could safely make its way back into its community. I am thankful that I had this experience today because it reaffirmed my connection to all of creation. My eyes are wide open for opportunities to BE THE CHANGE. I hope you’ll join me on this road where we can make a difference in our families, communities, and our world. I’m taking 5 more minutes to write my Senators and Representative about these executive orders that worry me greatly!
India Arie and Idan Raichel remind me that I have one more gift I can give. I can give the world the “Gift of Acceptance”. Take a listen…
Until next week,