Lesson from the Vaux's Swifts

Ever spent an evening waiting for sunset so you could watch thousands of birds dive into a chimney?

That was me.  A friend.  And over 2,000 eager birdwatchers gathered to watch this spectacular event.

 The Vaux’s Swifts are in town.

They’re headed South.  

      (Do they really know that’s where they’re going?)

They always stop in Portland first.  

      (How do they know to do that?)

They stay for just one month.  

      (Who tells them it's September 30th?)

And they just happen to prefer sleeping in the Chapman Elementary School chimney while they’re here.

Thousands of swifts in one chimney.

The same chimney year after year.

For just one month.

But before they sleep, they gather from the miles they’ve traveled throughout the day, swirl around in groups waiting their turn, and then dive into the chimney in one funnel-like swoop.  

 It’s spectacular!

(Pictures don't do it justice!)

Better than a fireworks show.

And everyone claps.

But I wondered. . . .who were they praising?

And was it really necessary?

The Vaux’s Swifts were already doing a pretty good job of it.

Praising their Maker by being who He made them to be.

By doing what He created them to do.

Allowing themselves to be guided by His unseen Hand.

Following His appointed path for them.

Headed in the direction they were assigned.

And, along the way, their life of praise caused many bystanders to stop in their tracks.

And look up.