Of Parrot & Pelicans
Langosta Beach, Costa Rica - Every morning, the parrots buzzed by our balcony, squawking noisily and flashing green and yellow in the golden dawn.
We saw them just for a few seconds. And then they were down the coast, flapping fast in bunches of color that dodged about, became specs and disappeared.
Next came the Pelicans, gliding in silence single file down in front of glassy green waves to catch the uplifting wind on long steady wings. Gray and brown, they looked straight ahead or glanced down to see if the sea offered any food.
It made me think of how I appear to others and to God. Do I flit noisily onto scene, in my coolest clothes, relying on my own purposeless efforts and then exit when no one is watching anymore? Or do I go slow and steady letting God's power lift me above the curling troubles of life so that I can go on to serve where he wants me?
One is exciting but fleeting. The other is graceful and steady.
The fact is, I act like both. One day barreling down the coast of selfishness, talking so much that I cannot hear anyone else, the next day slowing down, hungry for a word from God and those who mean the most to me.
What then does this say to my family? Am I to continue in this way?
God, please give me the focus like the Pelicans to be consistent. Let me be full of your dependable grace, mercy and love. Because you loved me first, Jesus, I can take up my cross each day and follow you.
