I paid almost no attention to our fine feathered friends until about 7 years ago. I could barely tell the difference between a blackbird and a crow. I knew what a robin was because they went bob, bob, bobbin’ along and they ate earthworms, which I thought was kinda cool.
Then I got married to Colleen and nature began to look very different to me. She knows more about birds than I could ever imagine. She identifies every one by their song, squawk, or chirp. It’s amazing. From Ospreys to Goshawks. I’ve been educated on habits, flying patterns, mating behaviors, and a host of other facts that I never cared about in the past. I’m the guy that spots them all now.
As relational beings, we tend to enjoy the things that those we love enjoy. The calls of black-capped chickadees make us both happy now.
I have a suggestion for you to consider. Care about the things that others care about. It’s easier to traipse through life with a lens limited to our own perspectives, our own biases, and our own preferences.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
What better way can you think of to create a relationship founded on love than to encourage, build up and care about the things that others care about?
And that’s the memo.
Steve
