Weaning ~

As you can see by just looking at this blog, I love birds. I get so much enjoyment from watching birds. And, out of all the places I’ve lived, I’ve been blessed with more variety of birds here, over the past few years. I can’t believe I’m saying this, since Ohio isn’t necessarily my most favorite place. I actually have a list of “favorite places" I’ve lived, Ohio is usually at the bottom, but occasionally moves up. I’ll leave a discussion of my "favorite places" to another post. Although it’s very possible I’ve become a more observant and skilled bird watcher. Hee hee

As many of you have read or know from speaking with me of the “move.” And, since I’m an avid bird watcher from heart, I did what most would do when you move to a place. Get bird feeders. Some would argue about feeding the birds or not. I imagine it’s best to leave them to the wild and continue on as nature intended. That’s hard for me since I enjoy watching them as much as I do. At the beginning of Spring I gradually started cutting back on feed; this was also due to the cost. But, since we haven’t done anything as of late, watching birds is also our form of entertainment. So I kept up a couple feeders and I started purchasing less of a variety in the feed department. Then a few weeks ago not replacing what had run out.

I have been feeding several Downing woodpeckers for years now; I’ve even held one in my hand. Their food was the first to go. I had suet mixed with peanuts for them. They loved it as well as the Nuthatch and Titmouse. I figured that they would pick at the other seed which they did many times and that’s what they did. Most mornings the woodpeckers, as well as nuthatches, would sit on my deck and wait for me. The funniest were the chickadees that were more vocal. They actually sounded like they were scolding me at times; as to what was taking so long. Now, in the mornings they learned to wait till I put the feeders back out. Every evening we had a visiting raccoon that would come and eat the seeds; I’d take the feeders down after the last of the birds would leave. Then put them out again early in the morning and for a couple months now. You might be thinking? . “Man is she dedicated,” no, I just love watching birds and care about them. They’ve become like my own. Even though the young raccoon was cute, I had to discourage his nightly activities. For the most part he’d just sit there while I’d explain that the food wasn’t for him. I guess animals like me too. You can learn a lot from them as well as the birds. But, I’ll get to that in a bit. The Downing’s had the hardest time of it, they actually started sitting on the humming bird feeder trying to get stuff out. The hummer was having an awful time chasing off such a large bird. But, he was giving it his best shot. Two days ago the Downing’s stopped coming, except for one. I think she’s on a sugar high, (another issue) and yesterday was the end of all the feed. Except for the hummer’s food that’s it.

To me this “weaning,” is sad but, something that had to be done. It’s much like when God has to wean us to move on. Moving on is hard and sometimes we just don’t want to do so. You would like nothing more than to keep them close to you and for things not to change. But, in these circumstances, if you love them enough you do what’s best and really do let them go. God wants us to grow and move on. Doing what He has predestined all along.

1 Corinthians 14:20:Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Ephesians 4:15:
But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

1 Corinthians 3:2:
I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able,

How many of us are like this Downing Woodpecker? Not ready to be weaned or move on.

Of course this is my analogy, using and learning from the birds. Tell me what you think and if you have a scripture to add.