A Simple Metaphor

The Northern Mockingbird flew onto the lamppost and sat there for perhaps a full minute. My guess was that he (or she) was in the process of collecting material for a nest. In the midst of his work, he appeared to be resting a bit and observing the early-morning activity in our small town. After a few moments, he flew away, no doubt eventually finishing his tasks with an instinctive dedication and precision.

I thought about the freedom that birds have to fly to any high perch of their choosing. How exhilarating it would be to fly unhampered as our feathered friends do: Launching effortlessly into an inviting expanse. Banking in one direction, then another. Diving with abandon and soaring to great heights.

It strikes me that the sparrow could be a simple metaphor of the life intended for all of God’s creation, including humankind:

Flying – Landing. Working – Resting. Diving – Soaring.

UPDATE ON 1/3/09: Many thanks to Doug Demarest of Yadkin County for notifying me that I had initially misidentified this little bird as a Sparrow!