The morning we settled on our house, the former owner warned us about the sometimes loud and frequent banging we might hear coming from the windows that face the road. The same cardinal, apparently for years, has been defending his territory against.... himself. Talk about monotony! This guy really thinks he's protecting his turf! He flies from window to window attacking the handsome devil looking back at him-- perhaps because there are multiple windows, he believes there are really multiple enemies trying to take over his territory...
I guess I am like that in a lot of ways-- Einstein's definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again, thinking you're going to get a different result. I bang my head against my own world, thinking that I'm strong and courageous... when really I have no power in and of myself to change a thing. I just end up with a headache.
I wonder if there's a point where he realizes, "Oh, wait, that's ME in the window, not an intruder," and gives up. . . only to return the next day, convinced it's another bird. How often I forget the lesson I just learned, and find myself repeating the same mistakes... not trusting the God who is sovereign over my life to protect me, provide for all my needs, and even to defend me. Will I make it my mission to stake out my territory, and needlessly defend myself against perceived attacks? Or will I rest in the peace that passes understanding, even when it looks like I'm not "doing" all I think I should be doing to make it in this world?
It really would cut down on the headaches!
Here is my attempt to capture the little guy on film. It's not super great, but you'll get the visual!
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