Learn to Be Content with What You Have

Birdfeeders greatly enrich my life. Although feeding birds is an expensive hobby, I am rewarded with a variety of appreciative voices from sunup to sundown. I have the opportunity to observe patterns of behaviors that are all too often similar to those of people I know. Some seem to have a sense of entitlement, while others are content with living simply.

 The chickadees and goldfinches cohabit happily, no corner or cranny is beneath them, and every seed counts. “Waste not, want not” appears to be the motto of these happy little creatures. They take one seed at a time, perch on a branch, and peck away.

Then there are the beautiful jays and woodpeckers, vying for the positions in the food line. They greedily send seeds flying in every direction, or worse, attempt to gulp down a full day’s supply. Then, screaming, they fly away with beaks full of seeds to bury somewhere else. I wonder if they think that personal appearance qualifies them to bluster and bully other birds.

The chickadees remind me of the apostle Paul’s statement about having learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself (Philippians 4:11). That is a true portrait of these little birds. They bubble over with joy when even one seed awaits them.

A third group of birds enjoys my feeder every day—doves. They waddle around under the trees and check out the leftovers on the ground. Their cooing is a peaceful end to my hectic day. I try to get outside to sprinkle a few choice offerings before the doves arrive. I want them to know that I appreciate their peaceful ways.

I have friends like those doves. They are the kind of people that calm down the restless rush of my life. For just a bit, I am able to forget deadlines and duties.

 Jesus, mighty Creator that He is, knew the value of quiet times. When I read about the times He spent in solitary places away from the demanding life He led, I picture Him reclining under a tree, listening and observing the sights and sounds of the natural world around Him.

It seems to me that it is better to be small and grateful than to be gorgeous and graceless.

 I pray for the wisdom to be more like the contented chickadee and less like the blue jay.

Patricia Cove