Which one are you?

          In the mornings when I rise, I either immediately get ready for work or I throw on clothes and get out for a walk if I’m not working.  Whether I’m working or not, I end up in our living room to have my devotions, read my Bible and have a prayer time with the Lord before handling all the responsibilities of the day.

          The chair I sit in has a large picture window next to it that overlooks our deck and backyard.  I love the view!! I tried to snap a picture to help you SEE what I see in the mornings.  But I couldn’t get it to copy/paste correctly. There are tall, green trees of various varieties in the background.  Usually, the sun is just coming up and glimmering through the tops of the trees. Squirrels are scampering and jumping from one tree to another and playing chase or tag with one another.  Colorful flowers and plants line our deck.  It’s a gorgeous site to behold anytime but especially early in the morning.  Usually, the scene is serene, still and peaceful.  It’s a perfect spot to worship and praise the Lord!

          The other morning, I had come back from my walk in the neighborhood and was just standing in the living room admiring the view.  About that time, two birds landed on the railing of the deck.  I wish my phone had been handy so I could’ve snapped a quick picture.

          The bird closest to me on the corner of the railing was so tiny.  He was chubby and short…possibly a chickadee or titmouse.  His breast was white, and he was chirping away.  I’ve never seen a bird do this, but he held his head back as he chirped his little heart out.  It was as if he was singing praises to the Almighty!!  It was a glorious sound and a beautiful sight to behold.  His little throat vibrated as he sang to the point that it was obvious to me.  I thought God created him to lean his head back and sing praises – and to remind me that part of my purpose and plan on this earth is to praise Him just like that tiny creature.

          The other bird was taller and sleeker.  He landed behind our white amaryllis vine.  Although he seemed to be hiding, I saw him clearly.  He was attractive as birds go.  But what made me pay attention to him was that he was so quiet.  No chirping; no noise at all coming from his skinny body.

          I know birds can’t smile.  I know birds can’t radiate emotions the way a human does.  I thought both were made from God’s imagination and creativity.  But what a contrast!  One was “joyful”, cheerful and praising his heart out to his Heavenly Father…and brought me joy in the process.  The other bird was “going through the motions”, if you will.  He was almost sullen.  He sure wasn’t singing any praises.  Maybe he was having a bad day. 

          At that moment, I don’t know whether God put this on my heart or the thought just popped into my head.

          “Which one are you?” is what I heard.

          Are you singing praises and thanking your Heavenly Father daily and constantly, despite your circumstances?  Do you point others to Him?

          Or do you struggle to sing praises?  To thank Him?  To rejoice?

          It was sure convicting to me.  I pray those images stay in my head and heart.  And it reminds you to look up and praise your Maker!