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  • Added March 27th, 2015
  • Filed under 'All Sorts'
  • Viewed 1695 times

LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR

By Trish Patrick in All Sorts

thinking about how to worry constructively

LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR
I am enjoying Rod's reflections on birds and their significance for us who live in this highly electronic and technological age where the
natural world seems to become increasingly more distant with each passing year. It's very easy to forget how important the natural world is because we are so insulated from the source of the essential elemets of life. It was good to be reminded that the 'least of these' happen to be vital to our exsistence. The development of the Orokanui Eco Sanctuary dedicated to nurturing birdlife is indeed a jewel in Dunedin's crown and a reminder to us all that we have a responsibility in preserving our natural heritage.
Bird life of many species flourishes in our garden which brings us enormous pleasure, but also concern, especially when they crash into our windows, stunning themselves, sometimes fatally. The cheeky, spirited little Fantails (who I believe to be the 'blondes' of the bird kingdom) persist in prancing around in front of our cat's nose, daring her to take a swipe. Perhaps they have worked out that she's way too lazy and well fed to be tempted by their antics. She simply opens one eye and with a 'what-ever!!!' expression on her smug feline face,
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continues her slumbers. Bellbirds, Tui, Song Thrush and Blackbirds delight us with their song and gorgeous plumage. However, I do have a bit of an issue with the native pigeon from time to time. They love to gorge on elderberries and cherry plums, then, in order to gain altitude to clear the clothesline, they jettison a load of semi-digested missiles on my pristine washing! I must confess in these moments, to feeling less than 'christian' toward these feathered aviators. I'm sure they don't worry, or lose a moments sleep over the ruination of my washing!
The scripture reading for Bird Sunday was Matt. 6: 25-26. and I have been reflecting on what Jesus is reputed to have said about managing the human trait of worrying. It seems we are not to give any thought to our daily needs, for all will be taken care of. He goes on to talk about the birds and the comparative value of us humans. We are way more valuable than the birds who don't plant crops and tend gardens, yet are always fed and clothed in their gorgeous feathered outfits. Worrying is a fruitless exercise (vs. 27) I don't know about you , but as soon as someone says 'don't worry about it', that's my cue to start worrying! Worrying is a generic human activity. Maybe even birds worry when food supplies are dwindling and they are confronted with a cold bleak winter, we don't know.
Last week Rod spoke about the mysteries and wonder of bird migration...that must surely be a worrying prospect for any self respecting migratory bird...exciting but worrying!!! So much could go wrong. The question of the comparative value of birds and humans is also interesting. Given we humans are highly dependent on birds for all sorts of vital biolgical processes, I suspect we are a lot more inter- dependent than we fully comprehend and appreciate.
Of course it's great advice, not to worry, but how can we not worry when the bill pile is starting to reach alarming heights, or our teenagers are experimenting with life in very scary ways, and health issues become more of a problem. We would be super human if we didn't experience sleepless nights followed by anxious days. Some of us are just 'born worriers'...we worry if there is nothing to worry about.
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What is Jesus talking about...how can we not worry about stuff?
Maybe a clue is to read the Matthew text interpreting it in a contemporary context for example, we could substitute the word 'worry' with 'obsess'. Obsessing about issues is the most extreme form of worrying, and being 'a little concerned', the least extreme form, with varying degrees inbetween. Some things we need to be concerned about. This kind of concern is valid, prompting us into making necessary changes. I guess its when we start obsessing that worry becomes unhealthy. It paralyses us and we get stuck. It is said that only 98% of what we worry about actually happens. It's that wretched 2% that trips us up.
Migratory birds would be in trouble if they were paralysed by worry/obsession . They seem to follow the call of the wild in spite of their possible misgivings.
I wonder why Jesus chose birds (grasses and flowers) as examples of God's caring nature? That life for them is so fleeting and precarious does not mean it is without value and influence. This may have had something to do with the choice, or maybe it was purely happenstance.
What ever the reason, birds (and flowers) teach us much about life, its transience, its beauty and its value. All life is sacred no matter how brief its time.
The trick is learning what to be concerned about, not in an obsessive way, but holding the concern prayerfully, then doing what we can, to alleviate the situation. This sounds easy, but at times it is extremely difficult to do.
The birds of the air apparently have mastered the skill. I have to say, all my worrying has certainly NOT added a 'centimeter' to my stature!!!! (vs.27) So, like the birds, maybe we need to 'seek first the vision of God and all manner of things will be well, because sufficient unto the day is its own trouble'.
Trish Patrick