Bird Lessons
It was a bright Saturday morning this weekend in the Northeast. I stepped outside the back door and clicked on the Merlin Bird app to see how many different birds it would capture through the listening function. Fourteen in under five minutes. The Carolina Wren, Tufted Tit Mouse, Northern Cardinal and the Chipping Sparrow were the most repeated. A red-throated hummingbird landed on the feeder just an arm’s length away.
In those few minutes I’m pretty certain I could also hear my soul confirming that, “It’s all OK.” The ugliness that’s happening in our country, Pope Francis’ passing and the dire uncertainty on so many levels was relinquished for a moment to the wonderful communal display of those naturally conforming, without a single protest, to the rhythms of live.
As the Affiliate Movement redefines itself (just slightly), with our new status as a nonprofit 501c3, I wondered what we might learn from the community of birds. While no clear cognitive answer emerged, staying close to the essence of who we are, aligning with the rhythms of Life and courageously doing whatever we need to do to remain faithful to the mission, all struck me as reasonable conclusions
If we are to remain a vital, life-giving movement, some possibilities came to mind:
MAC, regional or special gatherings – in person wherever possible, virtual when not
·Investment in present projects like Caminando Por La Paz
·New initiatives (and funding) in areas like climate change, migration, teaming with Habitat for Humanity to help build/repair homes, working with indigenous communities (like Peruvian Chapters have done) and so many other possibilities.
Initiatives like Bethany House that speak to a genuine need while giving public witness to who we are
A bright red cardinal landed in the Carolina Snowbell tree just eight feet from where I was standing. The Chipping Sparrow and Tufted Titmouse had never stopped singing. I couldn’t dismiss the thought that they were inviting me, all of us, into the community of things.