The random thoughts of a Christian parrot
Just like humans, parrots can easily get bored. There’s always a fine balance in life between not doing too much, and not doing too little every day. Bored parrots can start to pull their feathers out. Or to gnaw things that they shouldn’t. And I guess this is where I need to make a confession.
When I was a young bird, my owner was away for long hours each day working in London. And not surprisingly, I got bored. He allowed me to fly free in his kitchen while he was away. So, one day, I decided to gnaw the door of one of the kitchen cupboards. In fact I didn’t just gnaw it. I went right through it, excavating a kind of nest hole.
Once inside the cupboard, I discovered all kinds of interesting things, including three full packets of flour. And of course, I had a wonderful time. When my owner returned home that evening, he discovered that I’d turned into an albino parrot. And as for the cupboard, -well, -it wasn’t quite how it used to be.
Photography: Pexels
Fortunately, because of our bond, my owner forgave me, but I was no longer allowed to roam free in the kitchen on my own. You see, too much time on your hands can be a bad thing for parrots. And it can be a bad thing for humans as well. There can be too much time for humans to stress and worry. Or too much time for them to consume drugs and alcohol. Or too much time for them to gamble away their money, or to go shopping to buy things that they don’t really need. Or too much time for them to fuss about their looks or their health.Life is too short for all of this. Short for humans and short for parrots. We only get one chance at life, here on Earth, so we need to make the most of it. But nor should we burn ourselves out by doing too much. What’s the point of being frantic all day? As with most things in life, it’s about striking that happy medium. Discovering what’s right for you as an individual.Jesus never intended us to be idle. He warned the people of His day about wasting their lives by focusing on the wrong kind of work, or not working at all.
In John 6:27, He says:
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”
Our real work here on Earth is to trek along the pathway that will lead us, and others, to Heaven. That’s our ultimate work. If we do nothing, or we use up our time doing the wrong things, then we will be trekking on the wrong path. For example, gnawing through the doors of kitchen cabinets; becoming ridiculously rich at the expense of others; wreaking our self-worth by taking drugs and alcohol to an excess; gambling ourselves into debt……
Photography: Pexels
But it’s also a lot more than this. For we need to recognize, and act upon the opportunities that come our way. Think about the story of Martha and Mary described in Luke 10:38-41. When Jesus visits their house, Mary realizes that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to find out about the word of God. Martha meanwhile, continues to prepare food and refreshments in the kitchen, missing the words of wisdom leaving Jesus’ lips. And she scolds Mary for not helping her. But actually, Mary was progressing along the road to Heaven while Martha was remaining static.
God’s work for humans (and parrots!) comes in all shapes and forms. The question is whether we are discerning and open enough to follow God’s wishes……… Or will we simply walk our own paths? Paths which can lead to nowhere, or to our ultimate downfall and self-destruction? We all have free will. How will you use yours?
Photography: Pexels