Every morning Sharon fills our two backyard birdfeeders with fresh seed. Minutes later, there is a frenzy of birds flocking to the feeders, pushing and shoving each other, trying desperately to eat enough to satisfy their bellies. It’s every bird for himself (or herself). Life is about their needs. If others get knocked off and don’t get to eat, it’s their problem.
But occasionally we will spot a bird who will secure a beak full of seed, then fly to our backyard oak tree, landing in a nest, and then distributing the seed to others, probably their offspring. Their priority is not themselves. They fight the feeder battle to secure nourishment for others. They understand their purpose is to care for those who can’t care for themselves. They get it.
Do we?