Think About the Birds

I’m not fond of a goose up close.

Up close, they are tyrants.

They can be the meanest, most aggressive birds. 

I’m not fond of them, not in the slightest.

But from a distance.

Wow, they are lovely. 

They are elegant.

They are striking.

My family loves to walk through our neighborhood and lately, there have been flocks of geese moving through the sky. It has taken me until this year to realize that if you stand still, really still, and even maybe hold your breath, you can hear the lift of their wings as they streak across the sky. In between their loud honks there is a rhythmic lift. 

I find myself lost in the geese when they go streaking across the sky. Sure, it is fleeting. It doesn’t take long for their honking to fade to silence. But in those moments that I find myself lost in their synchronized movement, it is beautiful. 

Stand in Admiration

As I watch the geese fly I feel rebellious. In our wild world that praises productivity, efficient schedules, and hyper-attention to digital devices I choose to stand and watch the geese fly. I refuse to ignore them because my to-do list is piling up or because my cell phone is beckoning me to check notifications yet again. No, I will stand there in admiration for my avian friends.

There is a soul-refresh that takes place as I watch the birds. This should be of no surprise because scripture points us back to birds as a striking reminder of just how deeply the Lord loves each of us. Matthew 6:26 declares, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” As I stand captivated by the birds I can’t help but think of how each lift of their wings is a whisper from God, “I love you.” 

But remember, I have to still myself to hear it.

Slow Down & Hold Space

Just like watching the geese, which is an intentional choice to pause and hold space, I must choose to pause and be attentive to God in my life. Sure, I could keep walking and just look up from time to time, but I’m robbing myself of profound beauty if I allow my awareness of Him to be a fleeting glance.

When I look up with intent and pause I am reminded how the God of all creation has promised to meet my needs. Lifting my eyes reminds me that in this big, wild world, His steadfast love endures forever.

But first I have to slow down. 

Synchronized Timing

I have to choose to walk out my faith. Not sprint, not race, not hustle – but walk. I must become comfortable moving in beautiful synchronization with the Lord’s timing, which is often very different from my idea of perfect timing. I have to choose to be okay in silence and maybe even willing to briefly hold my breath to listen – to really listen – to Him at work.

Choose these gifts for yourself. The gift of quiet, of a slower pace, of listening well and leaning into the Lord. I pray you will spend time thinking about the birds – really thinking about them. Their beauty and His provision. After all, God uses the birds as a way to underscore just how deeply you are loved. Slow down and heed the reminder. Slow down and think about the birds.