THE LAME AND THE STRAGGLER By Sally I. Kennedy

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:37-39

It was morning, still early enough for there to be little traffic on our street. From the kitchen window, I spied a dramatic sight. A flock of ibis were touring for food. Our grass must have tasty bugs; they busily absorbed themselves with their meal.

Their slender stork-like legs are so graceful. One bird seemed to be balleting through breakfast; a leg was held out contually. Actually it was dangling, I then noticed, obviously broken or perhaps the ibis was lame, perhaps hurt. This didn’t deter him from hanging right in there with the group. He pretty much kept up with the rest of the company.

The straggler was out in the street, while the rest were diving and pecking into the lawn. Then he was off by himself toward the front, as they headed out to the next spot. He was with the crowd, yet he was on the fringes.

I don’t know much about bird behaviour, but perhaps these beautiful birds stick together for a reason. We need each other; no man’s an island.

We need each other, and we need God. The Bible says, “Love God, and love others.” (Matt.22) How simple; how perfect.

Lord, thank You for the thoughts and words You brought to mind today through your creations in nature. Help me be aware of You in everthing, Lord, and to have a grateful heart for loving You, and loving others. In Jesus’ name, amen.