Bird? Praise!
Copyright Debbie Taylor Williams, February 2010
“Waaa!” Standing on his tip toes and reaching for the door handle, our fifteen month old grandson cried, glancing over his shoulder at me. “Waaa!” In other words, “Would you hurry? I want you to open this door so I can go in the utility room and play with the dog’s food and water.”
“Logan, where are the birds?” I hurriedly responded. Swooping him into my arms, I carried him to the nearest window. “Logan, where are the birds?” I repeated. Silently we both starred out the window. “Birds, where are you?” I called. Walking to another window, we looked out of it, calling, “Birds, birds. Where are you?” Walking to a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh window, we continued our search for birds. Since Logan was old enough to know what a bird was, he’s been intrigued with them. The mere mention of a bird changes his attention from whatever he’s unhappy about to searching the sky for birds. When mommy or daddy leaves, we look for birds. When Poppy leaves for work, we look for birds. When he gets a booboo, we look for birds. When he wants to scale the piano, pull over the lamp, or play in the dog bowl, we look for birds.
Is it easy to always spot a bird? No. Sometimes we decide they must be sleeping, because no birds are in sight. However, we keep looking. We know there are birds somewhere. We’ve seen them before. We know we’ll see them again.
As I’ve pondered Logan’s fascination with birds and how focusing on them has seen him through many a toddler trauma: dropped luvee, separation anxiety, or “no” to the TV remote; it’s reminded me of how my gaze heavenward sees me through many adult anguishes: too much to do, too little time; delayed flights; deadlines; or computer bugs. Gazing heavenward, redirects my mind. It doesn’t alleviate the challenge before me. However, it reminds me that I have someone to whom I can turn in the midst of the challenge. I have a heavenly Father who loves me, is all powerful, and wise.
Directing our thoughts heavenward is more than a healthy habit. It’s a commanded practice; a discipline that benefits us and honors God. Rather than worry, fret, and wring our hands, God tells us to praise Him.
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting,” (Psalm 106:1). The Hebrew word for praise means to boast. In other words, when things aren’t going according to plan, I can direct my thoughts to God. I can boast in Him, “Lord, You are a God of all wisdom.” I can pray, “Help me see this situation through Your eyes. Give me Your wisdom for how to handle it.” When I am frustrated, I can redirect my thoughts heavenward. I can look out the window and boast, “God, You are a God of patience.” I can pray, “Fill me with Your patience.”
Through the years it has been my passion to increasingly know my Lord. My heart resounds with Paul’s in wanting to “know Him and the power of His resurrection,” Phil 3:10. The more we intimately “know” God, the more we can boast about Him. The more easily our hearts are redirected to praise Him and look for His provision in our situations.
How good are you at spotting birds? How quickly do you redirect your mind from worry, fear, or unwholesome thoughts to God’s bounty and presence? In whatever situation you face today – closed doors, lost opportunities, or dropped balls, I hope you’ll join me and turn your boast and praise to God, the all sufficient One.
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting,” (Psalm 106:1).