When I and my family got home from having dinner out…I saw a tiny dark figure lying on the ground as soon as I got out of the car.As I looked closely, I discovered that it was a little bird with black feathers (picture above).Could it be dead?...No, it’s moving!Upon confirmation that it was still alive, I called out my mom and my sister…Who both rushed to my side to check out what was going on.I showed them the poor little bird…“That little bird came from an egg that just hatched,” my mom surmised.And unfortunately, the little hatchling fell out from its nest.“What are we going to do?” I worriedly asked.“We can’t just leave it here all by itself. The stray cats might eat it,” I added.“Then should we take it inside the house?” my sister asked.“It needs food,” my mom said.“What should we give it?” I asked again.“Rice?” my sister asked.“But adult birds feed their babies with worms,” my mom replied.Obviously, we had no idea how to help the little bird…Until all three of us agreed to put it inside a basket…And leave it on top of the car, hoping that its mom would be able to find it.
As my sister went inside the house to get a basket…My mom picked up the little bird.And as it lay on her palms…I watched as it struggled to spread its weak little wings…And felt sorry for the helpless little bird…For every attempt it made only led to failure.
I thought…Poor little bird looked so helpless.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12
And then I remembered this lesson I learned about baby birds…That they never stop attempting to fly until they finally succeed.And I was able to witness it with my own bare eyes for the first time in my life.And yes, every failure didn’t stop the little bird from trying…From spreading and then flapping its wings…Even if it could hardly extend its little arms.
So, does the little bird actually feel helpless?Well, I don’t think so.It is so focused on its goal to fly…No matter what the odds.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:3-4
I then wondered…Why can’t I be like the little bird?Why can’t I be persistent like the little bird?Persistent with my life…With living life.There was even an instance when I nearly gave up on myself…Where I woke up in the morning and felt nothing but hopelessness…And then told God that I was tired.While the little bird didn’t even complain a bit about its suffering.But yes, it’s a bird…And animals act by instinct.And I’m human.But…Being human…And being given the gift of intellect by God…Maybe I'm supposed to know better.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. – Hebrews 10:36