The random thoughts of a Christian parrot
One of my best parrot friends is an African Grey called Einstein. As his name suggests, Einstein has an above average parrot IQ. He will sit on his perch for hours on end, deep in thought, until he arrives at his “Eureka moment,” which he announces to the world with a loud squawk. Over the years, Einstein has come up with many brilliant gems of wisdom and knowledge.
Photograph: HDWPro
So there we were yesterday, watching the Wimbledon tennis on television. It was a close, tense match. The umpire had just called out “40:30” (match point!) when Einstein gave out one of his penetrating squawks, and suddenly announced:
“Discovering the nature and science and workings of our world will ultimately count for very little. Because they only lead to sterile facts and knowledge. But add perception, wonder and emotion into the mix, and you’ll start to see the miracles of a Master Craftsman all around, and yourself as a living part of their overall Master Plan.”
To which the umpire responded by announcing “Game, set and match!”
And I have to say that I think Einstein is absolutely right. Just stop a moment, and take a look around………..
How is it that the Earth is the perfect distance from the Sun, so that we neither burn-up or freeze to death?
How is it that the moment that a baby parrot is hatched, or a human baby born, that they know how and when to start breathing?
How do birds know how and when to migrate? How does the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, weighing just three grams, and only three and a half inches in length, manage to make an annual migration between Mexico and Alaska, fuelled only by nectar?
How is a heart capable of pumping for more than 100 years?
How and why do osmosis, photosynthesis, transpiration, magnetism, peristalsis, digestion, healing, growth, hibernation and evolution all work successfully?
Yes, we know they are all proven facts which occur on a daily basis all around our world. But is it all down to chance? Because if we truly believe that “chance” is at the root of all creation, then we’re denying ourselves the “perception, the wonder and the emotional response” described by my friend Einstein. If we don’t see beyond the basic facts, then we are dead inside. But if we become aware of something bigger and greater, we find ourselves full of life.
This is why in John, chapter 17, verse 24, Jesus quietly prays to God for all of His followers:
“Father, I want those you have given me, to be where I am, and see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
And of course, the whole mission of Jesus’ followers was to spread the word about God our Creator, and the role of Jesus in winning us all salvation. So, in Mark, chapter 16, verse 15, Jesus tells His disciples to:
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” We’re being asked to look beyond the sterile facts of our existence, and to see everything in a new light. Because it really is the difference between living in the light, or endlessly groping around in the dark…………
