The random thoughts of a Christian parrot
This all sounds like some new movie release, doesn’t it? Perhaps the title of a new action-packed film full of swash-buckling Macaws and daring Amazons……
Actually, I’m thinking rather more about the relationship that parrots used to enjoy with the old Caribbean pirates. Parrots have become every bit as synonymous with pirates as eye patches, hooks and false legs. Just think of Long John Silver and his parrot “Captain Flint” in the book “Treasure Island.”
And our association with pirates doesn’t necessarily make us bad. You see, pirates had very few genuine friends, even amongst the crew of their own ships. They existed in a cut-throat world of “dog eats dog.” If you were a pirate, then qualities such as trust, loyalty and affection were in very short supply. (It was rather like being the British Prime Minister during the run-in to Brexit). And quite often, the only true, loyal and dependable companions that they had were their parrots, (particularly if they were of the opposite sex).
We parrots can form incredibly strong bonds with one another, as well as with our human carers. It’s one of our endearing qualities, (although on the downside, we can also become very jealous of love rivals, whether they be human or feathery). That aside, humans often yearn for friendships and relationships which are full of genuine love, trust and loyalty. They look for someone that will remain by their side through thick and thin. For someone that will stand up for them, care about them, and always be their friend. The old Caribbean pirates found these qualities in their parrots. Today humans search for these qualities in their spouses, partners and friends. But what we don’t always appreciate is that our greatest friend in life, -our most loyal companion through thick and thin is none other than Jesus.
Deep down, most of us yearn for some stability in our lives. Not just pirates, but the young, the elderly, criminals and law abiders alike. It’s something that the vast majority of humans and parrots long for. And stability is something that this world rarely offers us. Menace, threat and change are all too evident, all around us. But if we turn to Jesus, then we can find the ultimate long-term stability and security in our lives. And Jesus made this clear to His disciples when He said:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s home there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and fetch you, so that you can join me there.” John 14:1-3
A good parrot, a wife, a husband or the most brilliant of friends can all serve to help us along through life. To make the challenges and bumps a little easier to bear. But ultimately, it’s only Jesus that can offer us what we really need. Unconditional love, Salvation and deliverance from everything that troubles us in life. Whoever and wherever we may be. So long as we look to Him, and accept Him…………..
