Feed the Flock

 My grandmother fed the birds every day, both morning and night. She made her own special mixture, which she called “magic mix.” While I can’t remember all the ingredients, I do recall that it included peanut butter and corn syrup. She fed the birds so often that the mockingbirds would eat the magic mix straight from her spoon. 

Now that I’m older, I find joy in feeding the birds as well—I wonder where I got that from. I have six bird feeders, and those birds sure do eat a lot! I have to refill the feeders every other day. Reflecting on the birds my grandma fed and the ones that visit my feeders today, I pulled out my bird book, which originally belonged to her, to look them up. I have various sparrows, blackbirds, finches—several different kinds—cardinals, robins, thrushes, and blue jays, but I have yet to see a mockingbird. I also have three squirrels that aren’t supposed to eat the special bird food, but they do anyway. 

Yesterday, I sat watching the birds as they came in groups to the feeders and ate together. I realized that I am providing food for a flock of birds of all different varieties. They don’t care who else is feeding; they commune together and share a meal. 

I’ve learned several lessons from these winged creatures. One is that they come together in harmony. While the blue jays can be a bit aggressive, the other birds share the food peacefully. If they were at a table, it would be like they were all sitting around, passing the plates and enjoying the meal together. 

Another lesson is that I provide them with what they need, and they gather. Just as I feed the birds, we also need to nourish people. So many people around us need support. My friends and I often agree that “people need people.” 

The best nourishment we can offer others is God’s Word. I admit I feel a bit intimidated by it, but you don’t need to know every scripture word for word; understanding the stories is enough. Think about the impactful stories from the Bible that we’ve learned: the transformations of Saul to Paul, the tales of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac, the adventures of Moses and Aaron, the story of Noah, and all the accounts of David—like David and Goliath. There are stories of Mary Magdalene, Mother Mary, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and even the journey of Matthew, John the Baptist, and Elizabeth. The list goes on and on. And, of course, the most important story of all is that of Jesus.

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday the beginning of lent.  Usually, people give up something for lent but I am going to ask you to Feed the Flock.  Feed the people around you who are hungry for His word.  Feed the people around you that need to hear the stories embedded within His word.  Lead others to Jesus.  You don’t have to memorize all His words just tell His stories.  Tell the stories of Jesus there is no better time than now.  

This reminds me once again of my grandmother- Tell me the stories of Jesus I like to hear.  

John 6 Jesus fed the people

So remember to do the following:

1. **Show up for JESUS** – Start your day in the Word. 

2. **Show up for OTHERS** – Serve others, whether they are like you or not, whether they annoy you or you don’t understand them. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for EVERYONE.  

3. **Show up for YOU**—You need to fill your cup before you can help fill others’ cups. 

We will find JOY when we show up for Jesus, others, and ourselves.  

Have a great week, Love to ALL! Cupcake