One of my favorite things to do is to feed the birds (and other creatures) who congregate in our backyard. We have a finch feeder that my dad gave me a couple years before he passed. We also have a regular feeder, two birdhouses and a birdbath. Often, we will see several species of birds, along with squirrels and chipmunks, eating the food we provide for them. Watching them early in the morning brings me joy!  

Late last fall, however, I started to notice that the birds were not eating the food in the regular feeder. (The finches were still enjoying their fare.) I emptied out the feeder and replaced the food. That did not work. I thought to myself, “Why aren’t the birds eating the food I put out for them?” Perhaps they didn’t like the brand I was using any more. So, I went to the store and bought a different brand. They didn’t eat that either. Maybe the regular birds were migrating and would return. It was an enigma to me!

Mostly, I blamed the birds. They must have been the problem! Then I noticed something. The birds and other creatures would eat the same kind of food when I scattered it on the ground. But they would still not eat from the feeder. That’s when I went out to take a closer look at the feeder. You guessed it! The bottom of the feeder had become clogged so there was no way for the food to drop down so that the birds could access it. There was plenty of food in the feeder, but they couldn’t enjoy it. I cleaned out the feeder and filled it with fresh birdseed and the birds have returned to enjoy their “daily bread.” 

When think about this story in relationship to scripture, Paul’s reference to being a “stumbling block” comes to mind (see 1 Cor. 8:9; Romans 14:13) where we are not to be a stumbling block to others, especially those who are weak. I wonder how often I/we might get in the way of what God is trying to say or do in the life of another person. How are my/our words or actions keeping someone from accessing the grace, love and truth of Jesus?  

To me, this is a lesson to pay close attention to those who are around us. How are we listening to them? Are we trying to understand them? If they are not responding to what we are trying to share, may we engage in some self-examination. May we ask the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom and clarity so as to reveal things we might need to stop doing or start doing. This way, with God’s help, we might be better equipped to love others that they might increase in their faith and knowledge of all that God has to offer. 

God’s richest blessings,