“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV
I have three small finches. All three are of a different variety. They have nothing in common, except a bright white cage and the normal amenities. Bandit has a red mask across his eyes, Speckle is dark brown with a tan chest and brown speckles, Tangerine has a bright orange beak and legs. They were put together over different times and took turns getting used to each other.
On a normal day they disagree and sit as far apart as they can, tolerating the sharing of their space. But, sometimes the abnormal happens. On occasion Speckle will lay on the bottom of the cage and shudder. He’s unable to move one leg. He will fly if startled, but must lean against something to stay upright. He does this by gripping and balancing with one leg while pushing against a tray, bar or basket.
This will go on for days and, as unusual as it seems, it is not the truly amazing part. What is truly amazing is that when he’s on the bottom of the cage, shaking and shuddering, one of the others will sit against him, crying out, while the other flies around the cage, screaming and shrieking. At night, when I check on them, all three will be on the branch, one on either side of the ailing bird, propping him in place so that he can sleep in comfort and safety.
They are so protective and caring of the hurting friend that they take risks that they would not generally take. Several times I have reached into the cage to stroke Speckle, to pray for him, to hold him. The other two would sit right with him until I was close enough to touch him, then they would fly off until I removed my hand. Immediately they would return to their vigil. After a few days Speckle appears normal again and they all go back to “status quo”, fussing with each other and keeping their distance.
So often I see people tolerating each other, but not pull in to the troubled and hurting friend. We call each other brother, we call each other friend, but choose to be busy if we think there is the slightest possibility that our emotions may get caught up in another brother’s pain.
Shame on us, Lord, if we fail to have the love and compassion of a handful of caged finches. If I call you brother, if I call you friend, then I pray for the compassion to sit with you when you hurt, to cry out for help to carry on, and for the strength to hold you up until you are strong enough to stand alone once again – as often as you need me.
Tags: Brother, Care, Finch, Friend, Hurt, Illness, Love, Prayer
Linda J. Humes 