Being Resourceful

Today while browsing the blog posts of my favorite bloggers, I was captivated from time to time by the fluttering just in front of our patio door. Because of Christmas decorating I moved my desk directly in front of our patio door so that I could have a "bird's eye" view of my backyard. The fluttering today was from a couple of mockingbirds that frequent our yard because of all the berries that are available for them as a food supply. Not to mention when our sprinklers come up the worms are in great supply.

These two have been coming in and out all morning long and for a moment, I just stopped and watched what they were up to. They are gathering all they can for their winter prepartions. Not only are the busy, they are finding all kinds of supplies along the way. From the berries in the mulberry trees that border our back fence, to scraps of dried leaves from a neighbors palm that hangs way too far over our fence perhaps to make their nest a whole lot warmer this year.

What really brought this full circle is how diligent they are in their tasks. They are not wasting time waiting for a warmer day to do this. Waiting for a day where the wind gusts may just blow them into the side of our house or fence. They are doing it now, because they have the resources available to them today. Even though I haven't filled my feeder in a few days, the birds are gathering all the tiny seeds and berries that have fallen into the cracks between our brick pavers. They are doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Those same berries, branches and worms may be gone tomorrow when the sun decides to shine again or the winds die down.

They are braving the elements because they have needs. How often do we do the same?

When some life crisis has us against the ropes, or something seems impossible to fix, what do we do? Do we use all the resources available to us or do we pick up the nearest phone and complain to a friend or family member. Do we blog about our issues and hope for a solution in the comment box or even change our status on Facebook to reflect our current mood?

Yet do we really use all the resources available to us or are we merely searching for someway to get our problem solved without having to do any of the work? Do we drop whatever it is when life hands us a problem and lift up a prayer to the One that can resolve it? Do we ask for others to help lift our petitions up in prayers of their own. Do we consult God's word to see if their is insight or wisdom available there? Do we offer thanks to God for the issue at hand, knowing that behind everything there is a reason?

I for one am guilty for using prayer as my last result. When all my other efforts have fallen way too short of a solution. Most of the time, what I do notice, is that often times, when I go to God first, the problem never seems as bad, and it gets resolved so much quicker than if I handled things on my own without running it by God first.



The scriptures remind us that the birds of the air don't waste time storing up their food, but that God provides their daily needs to them. It's also a great reminder as well, that God doesn't expect us to sit back and wait for the food to fall into the nest as well. We have to be willing to come to Him in prayer, confess our needs and then get to work. In the end, make sure we thank God for answering our prayer even though it may seem like He hasn't heard it yet. Remember He knows about it even before we ask. Who better than to ask for help with anything besides God?

As for me, I've got a bird feeder that needs my immediate attention!

By the way, for those playing along on Susan D's 25 December Photo Challenge, here's my contribution, " A List!" As you can see I write down ideas for posts wherever I can and thought this went perfect with today's message! This is posted at the top of this post!