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| Photo by Viktor Kern |
I once was riding my bike down a path.
I was in a hurry and was riding quite quickly.
From a distance, I saw a bird crossing my path.
I continued speeding down the path.
The bird would fly away.
I did not need to alter my path.
As I got closer, the bird continued walking.
Seemingly oblivious.
With annoyance, I continued forward.
The bird would fly away.
I would not alter my path.
But the bird did not fly away.
About five feet from the bird, I finally swerved.
Begrudgingly.
I was frustrated, until I finally looked closely.
A little duckling, no bigger than my fists put together, was waddling frantically to its mother on the other side.
In that moment, God whispered to me:
"Mary, not all birds can fly."
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| Photo by James Wainscoat |
As I finished my bike ride, I pondered about the significance of this event. I have a tendency to judge people based on who I believe they are. I look at them and the situation that they are in, and I think they are incompetent for not handling the situation the way I think that they should.
But not every bird flies.
As I watched that little duck waddle frantically to his mother, I realized that little duckling was doing all in its power to get to the other side quickly. Who was I to judge?
Luke 6:37 says, "Do not judge, and ye will not be judged." I have always thought of that as a commandment, followed by a blessing. But I am beginning to realize that the statement is actually two blessings. God has told us that we are free to love everyone, despite their flaws, weaknesses, or mistakes.
I can love the duckling for all his good.
I can love him for his effort and dedication.
I do not need to worry about his inability to fly.
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| Photo by Mathew Schwartz |
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