A Quail or a Dove?

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Matthew 6:26

I really liked the column from Fr. Joe Annese in the bulletin this morning! Wise words to reflect upon:

"I begin my day with a cup of coffee while sitting on my patio. After the coffee, an 'exciting' bowl of bran, then I pray morning prayer from the breviary. All during these morning rituals, I am being observed by some thirty quails. Yes, thirty quails, they are waiting for me each morning. Not that I am the most exciting person in their day, but because I supply their daily breakfast, that being a loaf of white sliced bread cut into about two-hundred pieces. These little feathered friends wait for me with precise timing, 6:45 each morning.

I have come to the conclusion that one of our Creator's most vicious species is that of the quail! I have never witnessed such diabolical conduct in the aviary world as that of the quail. Now mind you, I have cut that loaf of bread into 200 - 225 pieces. There is enough bread for all. But no! These little creatures manifest such selfishness as to push, shove, snap, and chase each other over their breakfast.

I believe that there are a few bullies among them who are just not satisfied with what is before them, so they try to prevent others to eat while they themselves gorge on whatever is in their sight. I have actually seen some of the more corpulent quails throw flying blocks at others, only to see them cascade down a four foot wall. Others will chase those who have a morsel of bread in their beaks and swipe the bread away with a slight twist of the head. Why are quails so selfish, why have they not learned that there is enough food for all? Why can't they just get along and enjoy the breakfast that I graciously prepared for them?

Then about five doves land in the middle of this chaos. The doves go about their business gently and gratefully eating whatever is closest to them. They do not fight, push or snap at each other. They politely have their fill and graciously allow other doves, and also the quails, to have their share.

After viewing this drama each morning, I cannot help realizing that I am experiencing a visual metaphor before me. We all have lived in this world long enough, so we ask ourselves, why can't all people be like doves?

Are we doves or quails?
~Fr. Joe Annese~


Wise words to reflect upon...

God of all Gifts,
You have provided for all of my needs, and it is enough. Help me to recognize my blessings and not struggle for more! Let me be satisfied with what I have been given.
Amen