I
was asked to read the following story to my Sunday School class to set the tone
for the lesson "Beside Me There Is No Savior" from Isaiah 40 - 49. I
had to share it with you; I don't have the exact attribution, but it came from
a National Geographic article several years ago.
After a forest fire in Yellowstone
National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the
inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched
statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the
eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three
tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.
The loving mother, keenly aware of
impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had
gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would
rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies.
When the blaze arrived and the heat
scorched her small body, the mother remained steadfast. Because she had been
willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.
"He will cover you with his
feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" (Psalm 91:4)
The teacher added, "Being loved
this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you
and, then, be different because of it."
This story touched me on several
levels, not just as a metaphor for God’s love.
This kind of selfless love could make our world a paradise if we all
practiced it!
A few years ago, my five year old
grandson threw himself on his 18 month old sister to keep her from being hit by
a pickup. They’d been playing in the
front yard and the toddler ran after a balloon.
Their dad ran, too, bu the five year old reached her first. That little boy’s reaction was instinctive
but it also reflected the love and teaching of his parents.
I think this is the kind of love our
all-volunteer armed forces demonstrate. Our precious sons and daughters put themselves
in harm’s way so we and millions of others around the world can live free.
Oh, that we would all show one another
this unselfish love, that each of us would take the responsibility to uplift
and protect our neighborhood, our town, and our country.
- Corrie Lynne Player
Beautiful Corrie! Thanks for sharing. As always, your writing is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michele--I'm glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteSacrificial love exemplified by a bird! simply amazing!!
ReplyDelete