More Care-Free Lessons from the Birds

I’ve written 2,816 blogs. And I know my most written about subjects (other than my grandchildren) are birds. I’ve written about how annoying they can be like those who kept making nests on my front porch and their droppings were everywhere. I’ve written about the treasured cardinals who made their homes in trees outside my bedroom window just after my sweetheart left for heaven. And I wrote about how dumb they could be when they kept power-crashing into my windows thinking they saw another cardinal in their reflection. I wrote about the doves and their gentle cooing and calm and their little family’s nest built on my back porch fireplace vent. So, of course, when it came to my new place where birds aren’t quite as abundant, I added birds to my décor.

Yesterday morning, I laid down across my bed to “ice” that knee that has given me some trepidation. As I look up at my bedroom wall, I see the framed picture of an eagle in flight that my mother-in-law gave me. The scripture with it is Isaiah 40:31 -- “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (“Lord, I know You see me waiting for my healing!”) “They shall mount up with wings as eagles and they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (“Lord, You know how much I want to get back to playing pickleball and my morning work-outs!”). Oh, the lessons I learn and the little talks with Jesus that makes everything alright!

I use this “awakening” to consider God’s loving ways of speaking to me. I think about the wall hanging of gold birds in flight that I purchased at a furniture store. It was on the floor behind the cashier’s area. I asked about it. The cashier said they were asked to hold it for a customer but never returned for it. I claimed it as mine. Then, I looked online for a canvas painting with the colors I decorated with – blues, oranges, and whites. I found it online – and it included doves flying! Welcome, Holy Spirit!

Recently, a friend and I went to Panera Bread for lunch. It was a beautiful day, so we sat out on their patio. We were amused as birds were scampering around for the crumbs on the ground, as well as hopping on tables to grab some delicacies left by previous guests. I said to my friend: “Just look at those privileged birds. They know where to go for their daily ‘bread’.” My friend responded: “I’m not so sure they’re all that privileged. Those who live daily for the Father’s bread are much more privileged!” Indeed, we are privileged to be children of God Who daily offers us so many blessings, but maybe it’s a matter of being present to recognize them.

There are over 300 references to birds in the Bible. In fact, Jesus used birds in many of his illustrated sermons to explain God’s love for us. He said in Matthew 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Jesus was so good at analogies! This one meant that if God cares for the birds, how much more does He care about us. It doesn’t mean that we won’t experience stuff -- like this knee of mine. But it does mean we should be care-free because God’s great plans for us are good. His care for us will sustain us throughout our lives, because “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Like the birds.....we are privileged!

It’s Definitely Worth the Wait and THIS READ!

Even though our family has been barbecue connoisseurs from way back, my son started pitching me about the best BBQ EVER here in Austin where people are willing to stand in line for 3-4 hours to get into the walk-up Franklin Barbecue. Bryson and I drove 30 minutes to downtown Austin to pick up the order we would be serving when friends were coming over. I was amped up about this place because I couldn’t imagine any food choice being that good for that kind of wait. Had I not heard the raves, I would have judged this humble place in a lower-end area of town, but the line was as real as my son had said it would be.

Thankfully, for us, they have a convenient 5+ pounds of meat order-in-advance with a $75 deposit and you can pick up your order at the green trailer in back of the walk-up restaurant. Our taste buds peaked from the aroma on the drive home. Once there, we could wait no longer and pried open the packaging and....Oh. My. Goodness. It was worth the trip, and now I understand those words “It is worth the wait!”

The writer of an article about Franklin’s waited for 4+ hours for his meal, and said: “The smoky masterpiece at the end makes the wait well worth it.” And, he went on with tips of how to make the wait worth it while you're waiting:
~~~ Franklin’s doesn’t open until 11 am, but the line starts forming around 8 am and closes around 3 pm, or before when they run out of meat. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The idea of waiting up to four hours for lunch is absurd to some. Everyone gets asked, “Is it really worth the wait?” The answer is the same for everyone “Yes, it’s definitely worth the wait for the meat and for the badge of honor you earn by waiting." Kanye West tried to cut the line, but no "cutting". Only President Obama, because of security, had a "pass".

~~~ Go early so you're in the top 30 and can score the shade of the awning while you wait. Bring chairs (no need to explain). Bring coffee and other drinks in a cooler.

~~~ Plan to be social. The lines are fun. Everyone, newbies and pros, are excited about the forthcoming meal. Many people in line have driven a long way -- even out of state and country.
Keep in mind that the people on either side of you are your buddies for the next four hours or so. Take the opportunity to get to know them. They may become life-long friends!

~~~ Plan on eating in. Sure, you can take it to go, but don't!
If you were in a big hurry to get somewhere, you wouldn’t have just waited for 4 hours for brisket. You’ve made this pilgrimage, put in your hours, now savor the moment and the meat!

This "worth the wait" mindset struck a chord with me -- especially with the waiting games we play at airport security lines, grocery store lines, doctor's office, even at stop lights AND waiting on God for answering our prayers. Here are MY tips for waiting:

~~~ It is worth the wait. Be patient. Getting to our goal and vision and answer to prayer….equates to beautiful rewards. “Let patience finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 (I’d say those results are sincerely worth the wait!)

~~~ Being social is certainly a way to spend time wisely while we wait. Time flies when we’re having fun and having fun is getting to know and love others, helping to make their day special, giving encouragement and being a bright light to those who need some sunshine in their day.

~~~ While we're waiting....we might as well stop and smell the roses….er’ slow down and savor the BBQ…..er’ put down the phone and embrace the present moments instead of dwelling on what's so far up ahead.

There is a ginormous difference in patiently being a "waiter on a mission" that pleases God when we are patient for His ALWAYS PERFECT timing that provides what we need -- when we need it! We might as well settle into the moment, into the cozy chair in the quiet corner to savor being present with Him.

He promised in Isaiah 40:31 "Those who WAIT for the LORD will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary." And, in Psalms 27:14, "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."

So, today, let's just deal with it....because when God's light turns green for us.....we will surely declare.."It was worth the wait!"