...The influx of birdlife to our feeding station on the deck has prompted this line of intelligent thought.
I have noticed that the feathered friends come in groups; the strikingly beautiful redbirds, in sets of male & female. Then some little grey dudes that will somewhat mix with the reds. The large doves seem to come in droves … up to 9, 10 at a time. And they fight each other for position. All other types beat it out of there when they arrive. Another group comes under cover of approaching night.
Reminds me of many of our churches.
We have the ‘Traditional Service’ for those wanting to keep the hymns in play. Then there is the ‘Contemporary Service’ for the more hip … and the more hard-of-hearing, thus the louder music. The youth and the pre-teens are sent to their own separate parties because, you know … they ‘aren’t understood’ by the adults. Of course the little tykes must leave their parents to go to ‘The Puppet Show’ during the A.M. service … more entertaining than the pastor. Well, sometimes. I have been privy to a few ‘Comedy Central’ sermons. Those that have the audience weeping uncontrollably, but due to laughter, … not conviction. If you can’t wake up for Sunday morning service, "No problemo!" You can catch a ‘small group’ meeting in the evening. And those come with lunch served! (Of course if you are able to make the A.M. service, I would recommend you arrive early … before the coffee and donuts are gone. Senior wakeup.) Forgive this ‘old timer’ for her musings here; but I DO wish we could all worship together again, and in one accord. I recently heard a television minister who was speaking on this very subject. He asked the question: “ If God was to visit our churches, would He have to change outfits between services to fit in with each group of worshippers?” I am intelligent enough to realize that we need to have a varied ministry for the differing age groups. After all, most of my contemporaries would have a bit of difficulty doing the actions to “Father Abraham” with the youngsters. But, at some point, we NEED to be together in corporate worship. We NEED to gain insight from each other. Is it any wonder that mutual respect within the family is waning? Well, … so much for the birds! Wow. I’ve GOT to quit taking them so seriously. (Smile)