The random thoughts of a Christian parrot
I have a flaw in my character which I share with nearly all other parrots.Because I am totally vain. I spend every spare minute preening my feathers to perfection. Because like most other parrots, I want to be the finest specimen in the entire universe. So every feather has to be in place and displayed to maximum effect. It’s all about achieving an instant visual impact. And many of us forget that appearance is only skin-deep. We’re not always as perfect on the inside as we would have others believe.
And this flaw is also present in many humans. So many of them use social media to give the impression that they are beautiful people “living the dream,” when in reality, their lives are anything but. And Vicars and Readers in church often wear those traditional white gowns and vestments which are intended to give an impression of purity. And yet we know that no humans, parrots or other living creatures are totally pure, -or in other words, faultless and without sin, or existing in a wondrous state of perfection.
It probably wouldn’t be such a bad thing if somebody “accidentally” spilt a cup of coffee all over us. Because the brown stains would help to visualize the sinful “smudges” that we hide away inside. A few “stains” and “smudges” on the outside would make us true to ourselves, and more importantly, honest before our Creator. The book of 1 Samuel reminds us that:
“The Lord does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel: 16:7b).
Deep down, I believe that all creation wants to be loved, and to offer love. But so often, this “love” can become confused with “self-image.” And we all need to remind ourselves that love “…does not envy, it does not boast…” and “…it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13: 4b).
So, maybe today, I’m going to give up on the preening, and become a “bin parrot” instead. I can have a wonderful adventure inside the kitchen bin, and come out later, well and truly “smudged.” So that I’m true to myself and true before God!
