My Inbox of Daily Inspirations: Daily Heartlight -- February 22, 2008

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February 22, 2008

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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================

Lessons from a Hummingbird, by Alan Smith

I want to share with you something that happened to me a couple of
years ago. I was doing some yard work around the house. After I
finished, I went through the garage to get back into the house.

But, as I was climbing the stairs, I heard a loud fluttering of wings
above me. My first thought was that a large moth or small bat had
gotten itself trapped, but then I realized it was a tiny bird -- a
hummingbird! Its wings were flapping with great intensity as the bird
slammed itself repeatedly into the ceiling. It was clearly intent on
flying upward, but there was no way out in that direction No doubt the
poor bird had to be exhausted, and it was evident that it wasn't going
to find its way out by itself.

Using my hand, I carefully guided the hummingbird out into the middle
of the garage, thinking it would have no trouble finding an exit with
the garage door wide open. The bird quickly found a resting spot, but
when it tried to leave, it once again headed upward, banging itself
into the ceiling over and over. Could it not see the wide open door
with freedom just a few feet away? Why was it intent on searching for
an escape route straight up? Finally, with a little assistance from my
son, the bird made its way outside.

We try again and again without finding the happiness we crave!

I couldn't help but think how much like that hummingbird we all are.
The difference is that our search is for happiness and the "meaning of
life." We search in all the wrong places over and over again, looking
to material goods or immorality or addictive substances, all without
success. And instead of seeing the wide open door that God has
provided, we continue to painfully beat our heads in frustration.

We try again and again without finding the happiness we crave, so we
try even harder. We work longer hours to collect more "stuff"; we
sample something a little bit stronger. Why are we so blind that we
cannot see what God has made available? He wants us to find the freedom
of living for Him. Time and again, He gently nudges us in the right
direction. But we're so blind (or stubborn?).

"In the Lord I take refuge ... Flee as a bird to your mountain" (Psalm
11:1 NASB).

Lord, please open our eyes. Help us to see the frustration of our
attempts to seek happiness apart from you. Help us to see the need to
yield ourselves to your nudges as you seek to move us in the right
direction. Thank you for the blessings that you have made so richly
available and that you desire for us to enjoy. In Jesus' name, amen.

---------
(c) 2008 Alan Smith <alansmith.servant@gmail.com>. Used by
permission. This devotional was reprinted from Thought for the
Day <http://www.TFTD-online.com>.

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Daily Heartlight -- February 22, 2008