Now, I’m not really a birder. Isn’t that what they call diehard bird-watchers? The ones who swat mosquitos for hours on end in the woods, staring at a hole in a tree, hoping to spot a rare avian treasure?
No, I’m not patient enough. But I do enjoy a bit of serendipitous bird-glimpsing (not nearly on the same plane as watching). And I observed something interesting this week.
Not all birds fly alike. You may have known this all along, but it was a revelation to me. Birds have different styles in transporting themselves through the air.
Some flail about, flapping their wings in frenzied fashion, especially if heading into a headwind. Maximum effort, minimal results.
Others glide on invisible wind currents, soaring through the blue skies seemingly effortlessly. Minimum effort, beautiful results.
And then there are the breast strokers. That’s what I call them, anyway. Their style is somewhere betwixt the other two. I watched one today and really identified with him. He scooped a dollop of air backwards with both wings and then mini-soared for about three seconds before repeating with another wingful of momentum. Scoop, mini-soar. Scoop, mini-soar. Scoop, mini-soar. Just like he was doing the breast stroke in a pool of air. Medium effort, medium results.
That’s kind of my coping style much of the time too, I guess. I put forth a modicum of effort and reap mediocre results. But instead of raising myself to a higher level where I could soar through the skies on the wind beneath my wings, I stay in the blustery middle, huffing and puffing along.
And before I know it, I’m flailing and flapping about near the ground, trying to stay out of the range of windshields and large canine teeth.
What about you, dearest BFF (Blessed Friend Forever)? What’s your coping style? Are you a flapper, a breast-stroker, or a glider?
Deb,
Right now, I think God has kicked me out of the comfort zone of my nest and is teaching me to fly in a whole new way. Birds also will fly together to help each other by one taking the lead and the other behind, drafting, to make it a little easier. I am thankful for Christian friends who help me through difficult times,
Sandi, I think you’re right. In more than one way. You’ve been nudged out of the nest, yes, but I KNOW you have it in you to soar, not just flap around aimlessly. And you’re absolutely right about Christian friends who truly become the wind beneath our wings when we need help. You have always been that for me. I’m praying for you daily, my friend. Strength. Perseverance. Comfort. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul” (Psalm 94:19 NIV).
Oh Deb,
As usual you put your finger on my heart today. I’d love to say I’m a glider but most of the time I’m a breast stroker, falling to flapper.
I watched a group of geese flying in their v yesterday and the whole group was gliding- so beautiful. Isn’t it so that we can glide better by surrounding ourselves with others who glide too (or aspire to glide more than flap…)?
What a great point, Janine – that we glide so much better when we hang with others who glide well. Maybe you and I (fellow breast strokers) can work on inching a little higher to reach the part of the sky where the gliders hang out. Hopefully some of it will rub off on us. Hugs, my friend!
Good description of me flapping along in life. At least I am trying and learning as I traveled through 80 years. ????
Fe’, you’re a role model for other flappers like me who haven’t quite put in the same mileage you have. You’re to be commended for avoiding windshield splats for such a long time. Thanks for taking the time to write. A big hug to you today!
I am neither flapping nor gliding , but rather waddling about and trying to stave off the canine bite. I am looking forward to having cataract surgery to regain my normal vision again so that I may soar aloft. Stumbling about, your friend, Lilly
Lilly, oh, my – I wasn’t aware of your cataract struggles, but I promise to lift you up in prayer. I understand the surgeries are so perfected now that most folks feel as if the shades have been rolled up on their world afterward. I hope that is true for you, dear BFF. Hugs and hope in your waddles!