This? Or That?
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
This bird is simply beautiful—but a little quirky! Shirley Raye Redmond (All God’s Creatures) agrees with me and goes a few more steps in describing how she can relate to this feathered friend.
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I sat on my porch swing enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the birds. A cobalt-blue Steller’s jay, with his saucy topknot, flew into one of the tray feeders with peanuts in the shell. He picked one up in his bill and then dropped it. He repeated this behavior dozens of times as if he was having difficulty making up his mind which to choose. He finally selected one and flew away. He returned a short while later and went through the same ritual all over again.
Silly bird! I laughed and shook my head. Any one of the peanuts would satisfy his hunger. It didn’t really matter which one he chose. And he could always come back for another. That’s when it hit me. I was a little like that silly jay. I’d been wrestling with deciding between two job offers. I kept lingering over my pros and cons list. I’d been struggling to make up my mind, praying and fretting—fretting more than I prayed. I realized then that it didn’t really matter which job I chose. Both were suitable options. God could use my talents and bless my effort no matter which one I decided to accept.
Chuckling, I took another sip of coffee and thanked the Lord for sending the jay to teach me a valuable lesson. I made up my mind that day which job to accept and made the phone call. And I’ve been blessed.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
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Heavenly Father, thank You for the life-lessons You bring to us from the most unexpected places. Help us to be alert and vigilant as we search for You each day. AMEN.