Freedom
A hummingbird was trapped on my screen porch today. It flew in through the open door
and could not find his way out. She kept flying into the screen again and again. She could
see the outdoors through the screen, but could not penetrate the barrier that kept her trapped.
She would repeatedly fly against the screen, moving to a slightly different places- a little higher, a little lower, over to the right, but mostly back to the same spot. She was frantic and relentless in her efforts. As I watched her, I wanted to tell her to go just a little to the right. The open door is just a little lower. Freedom is just a few feet to the right. Oh, if only I could help you! There was no way to communicate with the bird, just watch her struggle.... Finally I could not stand it anymore. I got a broom, turned it upside down and tried to urge the frantic little bird toward the open door, trying to gently guide her to safety. She got closer to the door then she took an end around and flew in the opposite direction. Frustrated, I watched her struggle awhile longer. I became more worried that she was tiring and would not make it out alive. Momma said she had been out there for hours. I found a soft, fluffy duster on a long pole. Cautiously I approached the hummingbird as she rested on the screen.
She fluttered into the air and wonderful, she landed on the soft duster. She allowed me to slowly escort her to the open door and freedom! YES!!! I was so elated!
As I thought about the incident several things occurred to me. First I wondered how often God has watched us struggle against the barriers in our lives that keep us from living with the freedom and peace He desires for us. We try to handle all of the worries, heartaches, pain, disappointments, and fears that compose our everyday lives ourselves, instead of looking toGod for direction. We look to the outside world for answers, beating our wings against the screen, so to speak, looking for the solutions that God can give us if we would only ask Him.
Karen Styles
She would repeatedly fly against the screen, moving to a slightly different places- a little higher, a little lower, over to the right, but mostly back to the same spot. She was frantic and relentless in her efforts. As I watched her, I wanted to tell her to go just a little to the right. The open door is just a little lower. Freedom is just a few feet to the right. Oh, if only I could help you! There was no way to communicate with the bird, just watch her struggle.... Finally I could not stand it anymore. I got a broom, turned it upside down and tried to urge the frantic little bird toward the open door, trying to gently guide her to safety. She got closer to the door then she took an end around and flew in the opposite direction. Frustrated, I watched her struggle awhile longer. I became more worried that she was tiring and would not make it out alive. Momma said she had been out there for hours. I found a soft, fluffy duster on a long pole. Cautiously I approached the hummingbird as she rested on the screen.
She fluttered into the air and wonderful, she landed on the soft duster. She allowed me to slowly escort her to the open door and freedom! YES!!! I was so elated!
As I thought about the incident several things occurred to me. First I wondered how often God has watched us struggle against the barriers in our lives that keep us from living with the freedom and peace He desires for us. We try to handle all of the worries, heartaches, pain, disappointments, and fears that compose our everyday lives ourselves, instead of looking toGod for direction. We look to the outside world for answers, beating our wings against the screen, so to speak, looking for the solutions that God can give us if we would only ask Him.
Secondly, if I, as a mere human, felt so much joy at helping a little hummingbird find its
freedom how much more celebrating must go on in heaven when God helps us find peace
and freedom. God sent Jesus into our world so that He could give us personal direction on
how to live the life that God desires for us. God loves us so much that He sent His own Son
that we might learn how to live and have a personal relationship with Him. No greater
Christmas gift has ever been given to so many. May we Celebrate with Joy and
Thanksgiving!
Our most gracious Heavenly Father we thank you for loving us. Please grant us the wisdom and courage to seek You daily so that we may live the life that you created us to live. Thank you for sending Jesus into our world. We praise your Holy Name. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
Our most gracious Heavenly Father we thank you for loving us. Please grant us the wisdom and courage to seek You daily so that we may live the life that you created us to live. Thank you for sending Jesus into our world. We praise your Holy Name. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
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