Many people in Central Texas, where I live, have problems with cardinals continually banging on the windows.
I have a robin.
And he’s ruthless.
During recent mornings, while in my office, he delights in hitting the window while I work. This pesky robin even enjoys perching on my windowsill to stare at me.
Sometimes it seems as if this bird just wants to let me know he’s there. After banging for few minutes, he disappears into the oak tree in the front yard.
The window thumping by competitive cardinals in Texas is mostly due to seeing their reflections in the glass. Thinking they see another cardinal, a potential threat, they try to start a fight. While relaxing in our living room, we have experienced loud thumps on the glass from other bird species who didn’t realize the window wasn’t a pass-through.
People love sharing their many solutions on the internet to keep birds from hitting windows. Some include adding decals all over the window, arranging branches or mesh on the outside of the window, or just allowing the glass to get extremely dirty so birds don’t see a reflection!
The now-daily tapping on the window from the robin doesn’t necessarily seem obnoxious. It’s actually become a comforting presence—a bit of communication with nature that calms my weary soul. I will miss it when he finally flies back to the North.
Hearing the robin today juggled a thought. How often do I take time to sit in the comforting presence of Jesus when he asks for my attention? To be still and listen? Or do I instead find ways to block the noise because my days are too hectic, and I can’t be distracted from my to-do list?
Jesus will not demand our time. He will, however, make the time we spend with him precious. Not only is he our redeemer, but he is also our friend.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in, and we will share a meal
together as friends.“ Revelation 3:20 NLT
Even though we have been restricted from gathering with friends during COVID, Jesus is in no way limited. He will meet us anytime, anywhere. He is always a friend, a confidant, as well as the priest to whom we confess.
Weary days and a long list of tasks shouldn’t be a barrier from spending time with our Savior. While on earth, he said:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether
you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear.
Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing?
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in
barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far
more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life?“ Matthew 6:25-27 NLT
Reader, don’t put up obstacles, and instead, cast your worries towards Jesus. Spend time in the precious, calming essence of his presence.
3 responses to “What a Pesky, Window-Thumping Robin Taught Me About Jesus”
What an encouraging post!! My whole day, today, has been filled with encouragement. Neat translation of the Bible, too. I like the idea of hanging out with God, and indeed, have done a lot of that during my months without cable. 😉
Angie, what a beautiful piece, and it brings up so many thoughts for me. I am not familiar with repetitive bird-thumping, but I appreciate that some of the solutions (decals?) sound much worse than the bird sounds. We can and should turn to Jesus more than most of us possibly do. Perhaps he sent this particular robin to get your attention and convey some message. It's very refreshing to read an article by a person of practical faith. Thank you!
What a great comparison between the birds and Jesus. COVID has kept Him super busy but he has not let us down.