It is instinctual. Seemingly from the time they emerge from their shells these tiny creatures are consumed by an unceasing knowledge of need.
I also assume they don't even realize why. After all they haven't had enough time to even know what life is, much less what it takes to sustain it. They know only that "need"... that unrelenting hunger.
Theirs is a reality oblivious to the knowledge that should their simple needs not be met - something we have sadly witnessed repeatedly over the years - they will never leave the nest in flight.
Their only exit will be a fall...a tumble of death.
Tonight, as I smiled and watched Amy attempt to share her oatmeal with Emily, I thought of how we too are born of this world helpless and needy.
For most of us though, our early lives are blessed. We are cuddled and cradled...fed, nourished and nutured.
Yet - for whatever reason - many of us who start life lacking neither comfort or nourishment, still leave our "nests" wanting...unable to really take wing.
I believe somewhere deep within all of us is that inherent knowledge of what we must have to survive...to succeed. Unlike the fragile baby birds roosting among us though, many of us choose to ignore that inner wisdom.
I know I did for many years. Too many years.
Tonight I pray that one day we shall all come to recognize that we in fact "fell" from our nest long ago...and the only way we'll ever "take flight" is to focus on that one instinctual need: to be truly fed.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:7-8
