THUMP.
My heart pounded as I tiptoed down the steps. Maybe I should've grabbed a baseball bat. I took a deep breath, swung open the door – and BAM – there he was, caught in the act.
A bird, a silly cardinal was flying into the window. He attacked the glass, flew away, and then circled back to try it again.
I figured he’d soon give up. But no, he didn't. He kept trying … and trying. In the meantime, he was making a mess, smearing up my window. And probably hurting himself.
After a few minutes he tried another approach. He flew around the house and smacked into the front entryway windows. He did this all day. Not constantly, mind you, but periodically throughout the day. This went on for several days – and continued for weeks. No, I’m not kidding. It drove my crazy.
My mom suggested we set a hose or a toy snake outside the window, thinking it might scare him away. It didn't.
Eventually, as spring turned to summer, he finally moved on. But every spring that cardinal came back and did it again. I know, what are the chances? Maybe it’s a different cardinal, but how would I know? They all look alike.
The other day I was working in my office and heard a noise. I looked up to see him perched on top of our entryway window. Like a little red stalker, he just sat there, peering into my house.
This bird baffles me. I mean, God created him to fly around and explore this great, big wonderful world. He should be enjoying his freedom. Instead, he beats himself up; trying to find a way inside the house. Or he sits on the ledge, constantly looking in.
Like my little cardinal friend, it was messy – and oftentimes painful.
Now that I’m a mom, I see things differently. As my girls begin their journey through the teen years, I’m trying to encourage them. I want them to have the confidence to be who God created them to be. I hope they can be free of comparing themselves to others. After all, God made each one of them unique. One-of-a-kind. And He never intended for them to sit on the outside looking in.
Now, if only I could convince that crazy cardinal to fly away and be free. If you have any ideas, I’m open for suggestions!
“Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?” - Ian Wallace