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The Parrot Counsel

"Squawk . . . squawk . . . squawk!"  I know that familiar sound, as I rode down the street.  I started straining in the bright sunshine to get a glimpse of one of my favorite sightings in our neighborhood.  The squawks continued to chatter vigorously, and then I caught up with the culprits.  About eight of them were lined in rows on the swaying telephone wires, dressed with their yellow bellies and bright lime green coats.  They formed such a picturesque scene, especially with the autumn trees in the background.  Wonderful parrots, flying free and enjoying their morning counsel with one another, what a regal bunch!  Obviously, there was much to talk about, and they didn't seem to mind my fascination with them.  I remember when I first saw one or two of them.  I was way up the hill, and when I glimpsed one flying overhead, I thought for sure that someone must have lost their pet parrot.  But that was before I learned that our climate actually supports these wild parrots that come to us from Mexico.  Since then I have had an ear and eye just for them.  Their squawk is most distinct, and usually they are found in pairs with one another soaring the skies.  I once came upon a whole tree filled with green noisy parrots!  There is nothing like a parrot convention!  

It was a good "after Thanksgiving" moment.  I realized I still had a heart full of gratitude for being able to ride my bike and take in nature at its best.  I was invigorated as I reached the summit of my ride which dead ended into the horse ranch.  Yes, the trip down would be delightful, and though I was cold with sweat, I found myself singing songs of praise and joy.  Yes, this year has been one of impossibilities, of situations I found unexplainable, and one in which I had no answer for my "whys."  But in darkness, I have discovered the depths of God's grace and mercy. . . the greater my need, the greater His grace.

Still smiling from my thoughts of a good ride and relishing my presence with the parrots, I arrived home.  I began to put away the dishes from the big meal yesterday.  But there on my dining table, sat quietly the lady bug I had discovered the night before.  Evidently, it had come in on the flowers I had picked for the table.  Last evening, I put it gently back on one of the Mums and thought it would be content to stay in the bouquet; but not, for here it was again on my table.  This time I decided to free it to the great outdoors, but as I tried to get it onto plants, it kept climbing up my fingers.  It was as if my hand was better to explore than it's very food source!  I had to laugh! Yep, I understood the lady bug well.  We really are fragile beings, even though we have wings to fly and can make so many choices.  We still seek warm hands to hold us and take us to safe places.  Maybe that's the lesson for me today, even the parrots knew of it.  We need the encouragement and counsel of one another. . . . and we need hands to hold us and lead us.

I love that I have a heavenly Father who loves me and his creatures, none is too small or big for His eye.  His grace is sufficient for all . . .   

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