Learning to Fly

In the tree just outside our window a pair of crows built a nest. For weeks the crows brought food for the baby crows. It seemed as though it wasn’t just the parents that fed the baby crows, others joined in for the task. Eventually the young crows were able to hop out of the nest but one of them was reluctant to try flying. For days it would step out onto a branch but go no further. It would try flying from one branch to another but no more in spite of urging from adult crows. That illustrated a lesson for me. I was meant to be and do what a maturing, growing Christian should be doing. Yet so often I was reluctant to step out in faith. It seemed too risky in spite of being challenged to venture out.

Then one day there was a commotion outside the window. The young crow flew from one tree to the next. Then back again. Loudly it trumpeted (rather hoarse trumpet) its success. Not long after that it was out there doing what crows do. That included ‘choir practice’ at about 5 a.m. Why would they need a rehearsal when they’ve only got a few croaks in their repertoire? I believe a group of crows is called a parliament of crows. In a positive sense they do work together to provide and protect.

Take courage and venture beyond your comfort zone.

Henry Wiebe