Thursday, April 22, 2010

BLUE GUYS

Early in the morning, as I sit reading devotions and feeling the sun warm the room I listen to the birds. Each has a different sound. I wish I could tell you that I recognize them by their chirp. Yesterday a beautiful blue bird appeared. At first I thought it was the painted bunting who began visiting us a month or so ago. This was a new little guy. We sat watching him, wondering if he had a mate. All the other birds came to the feeder, not disturbing the "blue guy." He ate all he wanted and flew away. I thought about our lives. How often we "fly" to a new restaurant, Church, grocery store, or where ever it may be, where we know no one. I wonder how many times I was like the rest of the birds, ignoring "blue guy". No one welcomed him, or if they did, I didn't recognize the chatter. How many times does God send people my way, and I ignore them. I miss the opportunity to let them see Him through me. As I write this blog, I just noticed "blue guy" at the feeder again. Someone must have made him feel welcome. My sister and brother-in-law have been visiting. Because my husband and I teach a Sunday school class we left for Church before they did. Since my sister and brother-in-law have never been to our Church, we decided to meet outside the Church and go in together. However, they decided to go on inside without us. The ushers directed them to "our" pew. When I settled in beside my sister, she and my brother-in-law both said, "we've never been in a Church where we felt more welcome". I'm so proud of my Christian family. I'm trying to be more like them. I'm off to fill the bird feeder. I want more "blue guys" to feel welcome.

10 comments:

Rita Garcia said...

Great story, wonderful message! Hugs, Rita

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks Rita!
Hugs and Blessings, Katt

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katt -

LOL! When I first saw "blue guys," the movie Avatar popped into my head.

Thanks for a more inspirational story!

Blessings,
Susan

Karen Lange said...

Good post:) Blessings to you!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Susan, I laughed out loud at your response too! Thanks for the thought! And thanks for the comments.
Love you
Katt

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks Karen, you are ever faithful! Hugs and blessings.
Love you
Katt

Carol J. Garvin said...

I like to have seed out for God's wee songsters when they visit here, too. We mostly have chickadees, juncoes, robins, varied thrush, blackbirds and stellar jays. Hummingbirds turn up to the nectar-filled feeders and they chase the other birds away while they have their meal. They're never very welcoming! Your comparison with our church visitors is a good one to remember. Thanks!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol, I never thought I would turn into a "bird watcher". I am enthralled by their beauty and personalities. Sometimes even angry at the bigger birds (crows) who chase away some of the smaller ones. I put a hummingbird feeder up two years ago, change the water frequently and have yet to see even one. Must be our climate? I love them, could you send just one my way? ha ha
Love you
Katt

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

What an excellent post. And one I'm so glad I read. A confirmation.

Yesterday I stopped at a Lady's shop to find a new top. The lady in the cubical next to me kept asking the clerk if the top she'd picked out was appropriate for someone her age. "Please be honest," she kept saying.

I thought about it for a few moments, then stuck my head out and said, "That top looks so attractive on you." The nice part was I meant it. And she smiled. One of God's many blessings.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy, Amen----thanks for making your "sister" feel better
Love you
Katt