It is currently 82 degrees outside and 81 degrees in my home. Sun on three sides and no air-conditioning but this is Seattle. I have an older stone/cement birdbath that now supports a flowering pot. It is old and beautiful but now leaking from years of supporting happy birds. (I may have a photo from a few Christmases ago). The one I hesitated to fill today is a natural stone. Do you ever do the right thing and then a negative consequence surfaces? It’s hot and maybe this is silly but I do like the birds to hang in my yard – hence the birdbath(s). I also like the producing blueberry bushes but so do the birds. I fill the birdbath, birds come, they snack on the berries, bye-bye berries. If the birds would just take one and finish it we could continue this arrangement but they take a bite and move to the next. The berries dry and are unusable. I would compare this conflict to my attempt at making a green shirt on the weekend. I have had the fabric for a while and had just finished two dresses for my daughter and thought I was on a roll. I’m stuck on a collar and still need button holes for wooden buttons purchased at Michaels two days ago. They don’t match the green but since Joann Fabrics closed I don’t know where to shop for green buttons. I like smooth and efficient days with predictable results. I don’t need a green shirt but I am retired and sewing is fun for me but I’ve exceeded my allotted time and interest. I’m done with the heat but not planning to purchase an air conditioner. I did refill the bird feeder because it is so warm out. Now the blueberries will go missing and I have no resulting shirt from my time investment. I am unhappy for these silly reasons. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of using time as a precious, finite resource given by God. We are encouraged as believers to be diligent, productive, and focused on activities that honor Him and contribute to God’s kingdom. Have I been wasting my precious time? When is idleness a sin since we need rest? Birds need baths and I want to bake blueberry muffins for my neighbors. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is”. Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages us with, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Well, that sounds final. I Peter 5:8 mentions self-controlled and vigilant. Birds are birds. I have choices with how I spend my days. There is nothing wrong with the above except that I have wasted your time with these ramblings. The heat will dissipate and I think I will finish the green shirt. No harm – no foul but, confession is good for the soul. Now you know what happens to me in the heat. (Could not find photo so enjoy this happy bird)
