Identity

 

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. Mark 4:7

The mockingbird called from the abandoned TV antennae on our roof. He sang one bird song after another. He knew hundreds. Then he paused, flew up in a dance showing off the white feathers under his wings. He must have been showing out for some girl bird off in the trees. Every spring he does his song and dance. Then the couple build a nest in the thorny wild orange tree in our backyard. It's not high off the ground, but no one and nothing would even think about fighting those thorns for a bite of nestlings. Those little mockingbirds grow up to copy other birds and make their nests among the thorns, low to the ground. 

As Christians, we have our own identities. Our actions give us our identities, but often we want to copy others so we fit in, impress others, and feel confident. We often end up in thorny situations where our testimony is choked by the cares of the world. Others, especially our children, see our actions and imitate us. The thorns of life choke them and keep them from attaining all God wants them to be. 

Heavenly Father, may we have one voice, Your words, because Your words are truth. May we rise above the things of this world that would entangle us. May we aspire to be like Jesus. In His name we pray.  Amen. 

Hey Kids:

The bright yellow of the goldfinches, the red and rust cardinal pairs, and yes, the mockingbirds are all filling the trees with song and color. 

It might be fun to take a few minutes to observe the habits of the birds of your area. Watch as they bring nesting material to trees, bushes, and birdhouses. 

Notice how the males draw attention to themselves. 

Watch a male cardinal feed his intended bride. 

Supplying food and water may increase your close-up view of birds in your backyard.

I found an app called Merlin from Cornell Lab that listens to bird calls and lets the user know the type of bird they hear. I wonder if it can distinguish the real song from the copycat of a mockingbird. 

You can ask your mom or dad to download it to their phone for a fun family activity. 

 

What thoughts does God bring to your mind while watching His creation in action?