By Father Sean Major-Campbell
Once there lived a tree that hardly bore much fruit. It offered very little shade and birds would simply fly by her on their way to lush trees with rich foliage. One had to look closely at the tree to realize that it actually had life. One day God spoke to the tree and said, “I will make of you a great garden.”
Suddenly the tree started to sprout new leaves and hybrid fruits of every sort. It became so prosperous that many birds of the air sought to make nests within the safe harbour of her branches. Other trees heard of her prosperity, and soon off-trunk businesses were flourishing in her branches. Eventually migrating birds sought residence on the great tree’s bark.
This caused some stir and there was a flutter about tenure. In the meantime, there were inter-tree concerns about the bird-flu. Still others were worried about other birds whose travel without accompanying hens, might affect the local bird sentiment. Hospitality feathers, pedagogical plumage, and general aviary personnel were concerned about a law regarding birds which had flown from distant trees in search of employment.
They were soon approaching the end of their tenure and the law is the law! Different individuals within the feathered community wondered at the implications for the Great Tree. Regarding the birds of travel, one cock went out to see them by and by, in preparation for their “disappointing behaviour.”
Eventually the travelling birds left without incident, while the observant cock returned to the Great Tree, without favour. In the meanttime another group of birds were re-visiting the idea of eggetry, which is a game in which each player attempts to guess the number of eggs produced in the Great Tree in a given day. The intention was to find a daily winner.
Then one great day a great bird flew up and spoke with great authority saying: stop all this chatter about travelling birds and eggetry. Do you not see what is happening to the Great Tree? It has lost many of its great branches in exchange for great resorts. Do you not see what is happening? We are not the resorters.
We do not even own the resorts. Another bird agreed saying, “yes, and even the real estate who has been selling it?” He noted how the bird’s eye view is being taken from matters of tremendous concern when Birdmanians and Birdaicans are no longer sure about whose accent is whose. Suddenly, the ugly duckling spoke out and said, “Beware of the New Great Nest.
Beware of what could happen, when struggling birds discover that the New Great Nest has impenetrable great walls and secluded clubs that will be accessed only by the occasional native bird, but swamped by the strong dollar eagle.” He went on. “Beware of chirp-service to holiness. The poor birds who were serious about that tradition are now returning to their bird-tree.
Only God knows what their replacement will be like.” An expert bird was brought in to assess the concerns. The following was revealed: The preferred birds are thinking twice about inflation costs and the availability of material for egg shells.
Some are also exploring the time factor between laying, hatching, and flying school. Still others are realizing that their fate may not be that of their birdie who came to the Great Tree ten or more years ago. The findings also revealed that helping birds were among those most likely to receive enforced fly-outs in accordance with bird-jurisprudence.
Those most likely to reshape the plumage façade are those who have very little interest in nesting. They are not family oriented; and do not mind flying around from place to place. Their migratory instincts go hand in hand with their ability to change friends. Fortunately, they have no sense of loyalty or commitment to anything or anyone!
The report was received and tabled in the nest of decisions. Finality was proclaimed. The Voice of a Great Book was however revealed saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Then an angel came forth and said, “Keep the faith. Be strong.
When you see these things happening, you will know that you will be delivered. When you feel weak and helpless, then you shall be strong. When all seems dark, suddenly you will receive light. When all seems deaf, you will be heard. Just a little while, and some awesome power will be known!”
Be strong. Be patient. Be forgiving. Be wise. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you! T
he views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of St. George’s Anglican Church.
Send questions and comments to Fr. Sean at lovesean@candw.ky
