This world is for the birds

Editor's note: The Reflections column by Ellen Shuck will return next week.

"God made everything beautiful in its time; God has also put eternity into our minds." Ecclesiastes 3:11

I ventured out into the cold brisk air to put more birdseed in the bird feeder. I hurried back into the warm house. Before I could close the door, the yard was filled with birds of every description.

I saw a flash of color as Mr. and Mrs. cardinal flew to the feeder. In the middle of a dark wintry day, here was a ray of hope for brighter days ahead.

On the ground, a group of chickadees scratched for food. So small, I hardly noticed them. Yet, each small creature has its role in God's plan. Beside them, a covey of doves searched for food. Larger and heavier, they moved quietly and peacefully among their neighbors.

Up above the feeder, a family of finches dressed in red and brown and yellow added their presence to this winter portrait.

The serenity was broken as several bluejays screeched across the sky, chasing all the other birds away and hogging the food for themselves. How rude! How selfish! The bluejays were no match, however, for old Mr. pileated woodpecker, who bullied them out of the way and gobbled up the food.

Meanwhile, perched on a nearby limb, a mockingbird was voicing his displeasure with the whole situation. Mocking the others, taunting them, and hoping to get his share of the food.

How much like the birds are we? There are some who, in the midst of dark wintry days, add a touch of beauty and color to life. At other times, we act in a very selfish manner; we bully others and we are rude, and we wonder why no one likes us. Sometimes we feel so small, and wonder if even God notices us; yet, in our small way we can make a difference! At all times, we need to be at peace with one another and be peacemakers in our world.

This world is for the birds! God created this world for the birds, and for people like you and me! God provides for the birds, and provides for each of us! Just as each bird is beautiful in its own way, and plays an important role in God's "drama of life," so do we!

Dr. Don Kuehle is a retired United Methodist minister who lives in Jackson.