What Happened at the Birdfeeder?

            We’d had some gray and windy days, but nothing prepared me for the sight awaiting me one morning. As I began my breakfast, I saw my birdfeeder was missing 4 of the 6 perches at the openings. They lay scattered on the ground and the birdfeeder was empty! One perch had been pecked off before, but not 4. In addition, the bottom was tilting, as if it would fall off.

            I looked at the ground. Where were the piles of birdseeds that would have poured out? Nothing. Since we’d gotten a new, higher fence it didn’t seem likely deer would have jumped over this nine-foot one. The gates were secure as well. What had happened?

            I went outside to look. As I walked around the yard I saw patches of feathers lying in clumps in the grass. A small cluster of gray and white feathers banded together lay near the birdfeeder, a few scattered feathers were farther along, then a large group of feathers were midway in the yard.

            I had never heard a sound. It must have happened during the night. Whatever it was, it was sudden. And the birds must have either fought something bigger than themselves or not known what was coming until it was too late.

            The sudden disappearance and wreckage at the birdfeeder shows how abruptly life can change in an instant. It made me think of what scriptures says about Christ’s return. We will be caught unaware as well. Matthew 24:42-44 says, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Mark 13:32-33 says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”

Prayer: Dear God, may our hearts and minds rest in you, dear Jesus, to grow in love and understanding of your word so that we are ready when you come again. Amen.