Of the many precious gifts, I’ve received, one of the best is the privilege of sharing my life with birds.
It started with one cockatiel, then two, then a budgie, then another, and I branched out into lovebirds, canaries, finches, and doves. From my first day with my first bird, I knew things were going to be different. And they have been, for the past twenty-seven years. Through my birds, I have experienced God in many ways. Their beauty thrills me — every feather created a miraculous detail. God’s paintbrush.
Some have sung, others have talked, and some have just whistled, cooed, and vocalized. God’s choir.
Their intelligence fascinates me. I have been able to talk to them as if they understand — and they do. With some, I have even been able to have conversations. God’s wisdom.
Their acceptance, their kindness, amazes me. I am not a bird, yet they accept me for who I am, as one of them. They have looked out for me, and not just because I provide food and shelter. They care. They have done extraordinary things when I have been sad or not feeling well. They have looked at me with deep understanding, with all the compassion in the universe. And they have done the same for each other, even when one was dying. God’s grace.
They have given me such love and enriched my life. They have taught me acceptance, understanding, unconditional love, and that these qualities are not just human. God’s lessons.
