The random thoughts of a Christian parrot
Life for parrots can be a bit of a balancing act. We either hang on tightly to our perches, or else we fall off and come down to Earth with a bump. And I think that in an earlier blog, I quoted that old proverb which says: “A wise parrot never gnaws the perch on which it likes to sit.”
Well, negotiating Life can also be a bit of a balancing act, both for humans and parrots alike. Yes, we all need to take some things seriously, because this allows us to ask questions and to search for God. But not so seriously that we feel crushed by our own failings and sins, and ensnared by a feeling of worthlessness. At the same time, it’s important for us to laugh and to have a sense of fun so that life doesn’t become too heavy. (After all, isn’t that why God put parrots into the world?) But we must never become totally flippant because once again, this will block off our route to God. As with most things in Life, it’s all about achieving a happy balancing act.
For example, there’s one human that’s even more showy than a parrot, - the singer called Dolly Parton. Outwardly, she’s glamorous, bubbly and light-hearted. She once said:
“I wanted to be the first woman to burn her bra, but it would have taken the fire department four days to put it out.”
And when asked about sexism in the music industry, she replied:
“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb……and I also know that I’m not really blonde!”
But underneath the flippant, fluffy exterior, there’s a serious side to Dolly Parton. One that is serious enough to reach out to God. The lyrics in her song “The Seeker” go like this:
I am a seeker
A poor sinful creature
There is no weaker than I am
I am a seeker
You are a teacher
You are a reacher
So reach down
Won’t you grab out and lead me
Guide me and keep me Lord
In the shelter of your care each day.
(“The Seeker”: Dolly Parton)
Life really is a balancing act for all of us. If you don’t fall off backwards, or somersault forwards, you can hang on to your perch in the middle and be there to find God………..
