A Discerning Palate
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14
Juncos are frequent visitors here at our house. Today I learned some things about this rather beautiful bird that I never knew before. Eryn Lynum (All God’s Creatures) gives us an insightful lesson on their habits—and ours.
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I watch the peculiar bird outside our window. It’s not his color that catches my attention—we see dark-eyed juncos, or “snowbirds” every day throughout the winter. Instead, what captivates me is what he is eating. Large flakes of snow fall in a flurry around him, quickly enveloping the landscape outside. In harsh conditions, I would think he would devour whatever food he could find. But instead, he is being picky. Selectively sorting seed on our pedestal feeder, the junco takes his time finding the best options.
If I were a junco caught in a snowstorm, I’m afraid my lunch might resemble a more reactive palate as I gathered whatever was available. When life’s conditions shift and I face uncertain scenarios, the temptation is to reach for the nearest answer or provision. And society offers a buffet of ideas to snack on and myriad solutions to try for a spin. Fearing scarcity of ideas and seeking security, I find it far easier to react and gather up whatever’s in reach, swallowing an opinion or option without much thought about its value or its ability to genuinely satisfy. Instead, I want to heed a lesson from my feathered friend—to remain calm and stay choosy about what I fill my mind, heart, and body with.
Whenever I’m overwhelmed by the news or media or uncertain how to respond to society’s relentless changes, I think about the junco. I engage the logical mind God has wired me with and discern what is harmful and what is healthy. I am determined to remain calm, collect my thoughts, and sort them according to God’s Word and ways. Setting aside lesser attractions, I reach for God’s best, fill up on His goodness, grace, and truth.
Dear God, help me to distinguish Your truth from the falsehoods permeating the world around me. Develop a craving in my soul for everything that comes from You. When hardships hit, help me to collect myself and align my heart and mind with Yours. AMEN.