Hummingbirds

While at the in-laws this last weekend, we had a merry time watching the "flock" of hummingbirds competing for time at the feeders. They were a beautiful bunch of tiny birds, each whirring with the precision of a fine-tuned timepiece.

I noticed that they were very combative with each other. There were a total of 8 that we could identify. All 8 would rest in the oaks surrounding the back porch, until one of them would make a surprise dart at the feeders. Immediately, 2 or 3 of the others would start dogfights, attacking the one bird that dared to sip the delicious nectar.

This breach of restful unity evidently sounded a clarion call for all out warfare, so that all 8 birds became engaged in a struggle to control the feeder in question. During the fight, none of the 8 would actually succeed in taking a drink.

Keep in mind that there were 2 separate feeders, each with 4 openings to drink. The aerial combat, involving all 8 birds, concentrated on one specific feeder, leaving the other open for use.

I realized how symbolic this Lilliputian war was. How often we fight over God's "will" or determining the propriety of God's love for others who disagree with us, all the while ignoring the open spots at the table that would easily welcome each of us, differences and all.

Here's to taking a spot and sipping God's nectar, focusing on Him instead of the "others".

ADVICE

LIVE WITH INTENTION
WALK TO THE EDGE
LISTEN HARD
PRACTICE WELLNESS
PLAY WITH ABANDON
LAUGH
CHOOSE WITH NO REGRET
CONTINUE TO LEARN
APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDS
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
LIVE AS IF THIS IS ALL THERE IS--
mary anne MLB radmacher

with thanks to Dan Phillips blog

Trust, for lack of anything better

Spent awhile last evening worrying about my physical state - not only MS but also a pinched nerve in my back, hands that seem to be getting increasingly clumsy/numb, etc. I fret about where MS is going to hijack my body. It's gotten so that a wheelchair seems like a positive, almost welcome outcome, when compared with total dependence on others, or a nursing home.

However, after a pretty extravagant pity party, I realized that there was nothing I could really do to influence the outcome, other than the measures I'm already taking (physical therapy, exercise, diet, etc). I got to the point where I broke down and gave up. God, I have no idea where we're headed. Please go with me where-ever that is. Without much effort at all, I can forecast some pretty rough seas ahead. I'm worried that I may eventually be alone in this struggle. Not that anyone is deserting me, just reading Job too much. I need to know that you will hold me all the way.

I told you I could throw an incredible pity party. Thanks for coming. I promise - no parting gifts - right now, I don't think I should share much of what I've got.

Hmmm. That was the answer that I got last night - look outward and help others. There are those worse off. The analyst in me worries about getting involved in something and then having to stop for health reasons. The "faither" in me says cut the worrying and get started.

Hmmmm..... Stay tuned.