I was almost finished. Sweat dripped from beneath my sunglasses, and my legs were getting weak, but I pressed onward. I was anxious to get relief from the high-elevation sun, so when I saw it I silently mused, “This is no time for ‘revelation’ I need to get home!”
I continued on behind him, perusing his every move. Even in a half block’s time, he amazed me.
Every 4-5 feet, he would pause, and turn completely to face the wall straight on. Then he would turn back forward and keep going along the wall in front of me. He repeated this pattern at least 5 times in the short time I was following him.
All the while he was flying.
Sounds crazy, huh?
Not if you’re a hummingbird.
Image courtesy of Michael Elliott at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
We were only together a few minutes, but I gleaned 3 insights from the hummingbird to help us when we’re challenged.
1. Pause and look straight at it.
My frenetic friend was clearly looking for something. But instead of flying by with a mere glance to his right, he turned his body full toward the situation (wall) and paused. When we’re faced with a problem and are earnestly seeking an answer, it would serve us well to examine it carefully, not breeze by it in attempt to make it go away.
2. Your unique talents can improve your situation.
God made hummingbirds capable of unique things. They are the only bird that can fly backwards and their hovering skills rival those of military crafts. These traits are essential to their sustenance, and it helps them get the job done. After all, you can’t pause in mid-air unless you have been given the gift of hovering.
You, too, were created “to fly”. No matter what challenge you have, think about what you bring to the table that others don’t. Use your arsenal to your advantage, and to improve your own situation! (or you’ll keep turning to look at the wall and find nothing…)
3. Sweetness is coming soon.
Even though he searched for food along that wall for over a 1/2 block to no avail, he had only a bit further to go before succulent nectar was his! I could see the countless flower-bearing plants lining the wall, he just had to get to the end to find one.
The hummingbird reminds us that no matter how bad it gets, with perseverance and fortitude, his circumstance would surely improve soon.
And so will yours.
How has God uniquely equipped you for the challenge you’re facing today? How might it look different if you pause and face it head on?