By Pamela Olivetree.
Little Bird, as she called herself, once lived a very full life. She spent most of her time in the air, for flying was her most favorite thing to do. She also loved her bird friends very much – the ones the Creator gave to her as gifts. Together they flew back and forth to their seasonal homes, raised children, and sang beautiful melodies.
One spring day, however, Little Bird injured her wing by flying into a glass window. She thought she’d have to rest just a little while, but spring turned to summer, and summer turned to fall. The shame she felt for her poor flying skills kept her from trying again, and also, she met various animals who kept her quite busy. Mrs. Squirrel always needed help burying nuts. Mr. Turtle liked to be with her watching leaves fall. And the ground birds always had fun dances to attend. Meanwhile, the animals also taught her how to find food in new ways that she did not know about before, and she was thankful. Overall, it was a good life for Little Bird.
But oh, how she longed for the sky every day! Sometimes she caught a glimpse of it through the forest leaves, and wondered if her friends were up there flying. She missed them too. And for the first time, she began to wonder if she was simply afraid of flying after not doing it for so long.
One day the Great White Owl looked down from above and saw Little Bird hopping around. She looked unhappy and lonely to him, sometimes taking a small leap to a low branch, then landing back down on the forest floor. He knew winter was coming, and it was in her best interest to fly home. So he had an idea. The Great White Owl began to hoot really loud during the day, when owls don’t normally cry out, with the hope of calling her to himself.
It worked! Little Bird heard the hooting, and went to look for the owl. She had to turn down an invite to a bird dance, and politely tell Mrs. Squirrel and Mr. Turtle that she couldn’t help bury nuts or watch leaves fall, but her heart was filled with hope. She knew the Great White Owl was wise, and maybe he could help her find the courage to fly again.
Soon she found the Great Owl, regally perched on a sturdy branch just a few feet from the forest floor. He silently looked at her, but didn’t move. She knew what he wanted. She had to go up to him! So with a leap and a small flutter of her wings, she landed up next to him. But immediately he took off to another branch, again a few feet higher, and hooted. She followed him there, too. Branch after branch they did this for awhile, until suddenly, before she knew what was happening, they were both on top of a tree with a breathtaking view of the sky!
Little Bird was filled with excitement. The Great White Owl then spread out his huge wings and leaped off the branch. Around and around he soared on the wind, screeching for her to follow him.
This was Little Bird’s moment. Putting her trust in the Great White Owl who sought her out and got her this far, she stretched out her little wings, took a deep breath, and leaped off the branch.
“Wait for me!” she cried.
Little Bird was flying again.
Lift up your hands (or wings) which hang down,
and gather courage into your heart!
Straighten out the paths of your life,
so that your lameness may not become worse
or prolonged more than it has to.
Remember – is the Lord’s desire for you to be healed!
~ From Hebrews 12:12-13
P.S. Interestingly the same day I got the story, and after sending this to a friend, he immediately sent back this music video…