Wonderful Reminders

Alfred Hitchcock directed a film in 1963 entitled, "The Birds." Most of you have likely seen the film, or at least are aware of its existence. If you haven't, don't. It's terrifying. The movie basically follows unexplained violent bird attacks on people in the "Bodega Bay" area of California. Even despite the vintage nature of the film, it's still quite unsettling to watch. Especially if you are like me, and have an unhealthy and unnatural fear of birds. I find myself in a strange paradox where I very much appreciate birds for their majesty and beauty, but I fear them for their beaks and claws. Are they called claws? They should be.

Twice in my life I have been the victim of a bird attack. I intentionally chose the word "attack," because in my mind, it was nothing short of that and more. The first occurred when I attempted to move a wreath on my front porch, that a small bird had recently made home along with some eggs. Suffice it to say, the bird was not happy about the mobility of his new space and came at me like I go after cake..suddenly and without ceasing. I survived that incident only to be repeatedly dive bombed by another bird while innocently trying to visit a neighbor a few years later. I was minding my own business on the walk across the street, when the bird rained down aggressiveness on me, like heavy showers from a severe thunderstorm.

The same friend that witnessed my second bird attack, jokingly sent me a photo of a bird on social media recently. I feared for my life at the time, but I can laugh about the incident today. More than just a photo of a bird and a funny inside joke, it was a reminder from a friend that she was thinking of me. Amber and I have since moved from that neighborhood (due to a job change, not due to the birds) but we think about and talk about our friends often, and how we miss the proximity to them.

Reminders can be difficult
Every year on October 23rd, I'm reminded of the day Amber and I said goodbye to the son we never knew, the son we both planned for and desperately wanted. David "Cooper" Moore wasn't due until April, so now we wait to be reunited with him again in Heaven. October 23rd is a difficult reminder.

Reminders can be wonderful
My paternal grandparents had bird feeders all around their house. Unlike me, they loved birds. Cardinals in particular. So, when I see a cardinal (as long as its from the safety of my car, house, or office) its a wonderful reminder of them. My maternal grandparents had a large farm. All around the farm, various berries grew. When I see a similar berry bush in a random field or walking in the woods, its a wonderful reminder of them also.

God gives us wonderful reminders
One of the most beautiful reminders, and certainly my daughter Mallory's favorite, is rainbows. Rainbows after storms serve as a reminder of the promise God made to Noah, to never again flood the Earth. During the last supper, Jesus also gave us a way, through communion, to remember him. When we eat the bread, and drink the wine, we are being served a tangible and wonderful reminder of Christ's love and sacrifice for us. When we were still sinners, He loved us still. He gave His body, His blood, and ultimately His life all for us. Because Christ died the death I deserve, and because I believe and know that with a thankful heart, I will spend eternity with him, and my son, Cooper, as well. Christ turned that difficult reminder into a wonderful one.

So, let's reach out to family, to friends, even to foes. Let's tell them we are thinking about them, and that we love them. Let's tell them about God and His son. Let's share with them the good news of Jesus' amazing sacrifice and resurrection. Let's take note of all of God's beauty and awesomeness all around us. Reminders of how much we are loved.

As hard as it is for me to admit, I guess even birds can be wonderful reminders.

Much Love, Adam