BIRDS OF A FEATHER...

...flock together. Isn't that how the old saying goes? Church is a bit like life at my birdfeeder. Birds (and saints) come in all different colors, shapes and personalities.

First, there are the dominate, brilliantly colored Cardinals. The flamboyant males waste no time making their grand entrance. They set the mood and order the goings on, while their equally stunning mates give them support from a nearby limb.

Second, there are the little round birds that only feel brave enough to approach the feeder if they have reinforcements. Hence, the reason they come in groups of five or six. Their strength is in their numbers.

Third, there are the small, gray birds with the top thatch on their heads. They come to the feeder alone and only when their hunger drives them to brave the crowd. They are spectacular in their own right, but never feel quite good enough about themselves to bond with the rest of the flock.

Fourth, are the raucus Bluejays. They aren't regular to the feeder, but when they do come, they always have something to say.

Fifth, come the more settled Doves. They approach as a couple and, usually, only one pair per feeder. They sigh and calmly assess the atmosphere at the feeder, then go about their business
-their togetherness never affected by the hodge podge of activity around them.

Sixth, flies in the occasional Red-headed Woodpecker. He's alone. He's busy. He's on the move. You can't build a relationship with a Woodpecker.

And finally, seventh, come the Crows. They have their own agenda. They're sleek and impressive, always capturing everyone's attention with their quick wit...while they scatter all the feed from here to there so that everyone goes hungry while trying to tend to them...blasted Crows. (I know what you're thinking, "But they're SOULS!" Well, trust me, some birds are just decoys.)

I send my son out to replenish the seed. He's the Pastor of this feeder. If the birds knew that I watched their antics inconspicuously from the window, would they realize there's plenty to go around? Would they begin to work together for the common good? Would they invite others to come and dine?