What started out as a crazed bird, an old barn window & a slightly terrified person turned into a lesson from the Lord. When I went into the barn to get the lawn mower I heard a not so pretty sound. I realized a bird was in the back flying into a window. I, being the slightly terrified person, got out of there fast. I might have been ducking just in case the bird flew back out the way it had obviously come in.

When I returned to put the mower away the bird was still there. Frantically flapping its wings, slamming into the window, resting & repeating the whole cycle. Other birds were flying in & out but this one apparently had lost it’s way. There really was nothing I could do to help. The ceiling is low & the back of that old barn is full of stuff. The windows don’t even open.

It was pretty fast that I went from seeing a bird to learning a lesson. (Good news- I went out later to get something & the bird was no longer in the barn)

How many times have I started down a path, or tried to, that was never part of God’s plan? I’ve been that bird. I think I know what’s best, make plans, head a certain way, organize & calculate only to find out it was my plan. It’s amazing what I can believe when I really want something.

There’s a difference between a distraction & a direction.

I mean, that bird…there was no way it was going through a closed window. No matter how hard it tried. Me…there’s no way I’m moving forward on a path that God never intended for me or doesn’t want me on. The window is closed. I can throw myself into it all I want demanding my own way. In the end I’m battered, bruised, tired, lonely & frustrated. I can wait for months that turn into years. Waiting right at that path I want to travel. Waiting for God to open the window.

A distraction will keep me busy & prevent me from bearing fruit. A direction from the Lord, well that’s a different story. I might still be bruised & weary but there’s purpose & hope there. It’s the next step toward another growth opportunity.

I can stay at the closed window full of pride feeling defeated or I can get up, prayerfully seek the Lord for His direction & humbly follow him in victorious obedience.

Psalm 23:1-3                     Psalm 25:4-5                 Psalm 37:23-24               Hebrews 13:20-21

Forgive me for being that bird, Lord.

In Christ-

Tracy