Dueling Woodpeckers

Prayer and coffee on the deck this foggy morning started my day. No view of the hills in the distance or even the next one over from me but the serenade of the birds rang through the fog. I woke with a start this morning that left me feeling anxious and burdened. So out to the deck I went where there is nothing between me and God but the sky; my place of refuge, my place of many a prayer.

In a moment of simply standing still to listen for that small quiet voice that comes from the Holy Spirit within, my peaceful meditation was disturbed by two raucous woodpeckers. It seems they were determined to take possession of the same light pole. Perhaps it is a prime landing spot, I do not know, but each of these birds wanted the same one and they wanted it badly! At one point they were both atop the pole but it was clear this was not a workable solution. They made all the threatening noises, flapping wings and jockeying for position. One bird finally acquiesced by stepping down to the wire but complained the whole time. You would think this would end the rivalry but, no, they continued to argue.

There are plenty of power poles and trees, even houses, they could have chosen as their own but battling over this one pole top seemed very important to the woodpeckers; important enough to duel over. From my vantage point high on the deck, I could look out and see all they left unclaimed and it seemed even more ridiculous that they fought over this one pole top when there was so much from which to choose. It was in that moment God showed me how ridiculous it was for me to be anxious and worried when all the blessings and work He has done in my life lay before me as evidence of His love, mercy and grace. Just as the woodpeckers ignored all but the one pole top as their prize I had let one thought consume me, render me locked into a fear based anxiety. He put me in memory of His Word:

Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your request known to God by prayers and petition, with thanksgiving. Then God’s peace, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ. In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on virtue or on something praiseworthy. Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives peace will be with you.

I was focused on my own version of the pole top and let it consume me in anxiety. Notice there is specific instructions in that scripture on what to do in order to receive God’s peace. The word then makes it very clear the peace comes after you have done your part. I know this, I try to live this but every once in a while I have a ‘hard-headed woodpecker’ moment and need to be reminded all over again; another Holy Bop. I feel peaceful and thankful now. Much better than that heart racing anxiety that plagued me earlier. God is good and used another life experience to teach me. As I type this, I can hear a chattering woodpecker outside my kitchen window…..better him than me!