Don’t Let Anything Go to the Birds

There once was a dove and a sparrow that lived in the forest. When the sparrow began to take up residence in the same tree that the dove had built its nest in, big problems arose. For you see, though they were both birds, the dove and sparrow could not have been any more different. The sparrow spent its time going from tree to tree laughing, singing, and talking about everything under the sun, while the dove tried to avoid everyone. Nevertheless, after a while they began to strike up a rapport and eventually even bonded as friends. And, as in most friendships, they slowly started to act similarly. The dove noticed the sparrow's interaction with other birds and gradually started opening up. Likewise, the sparrow noticed the quiet, reflective manner of the dove, and how he would never gossip - and subsequently didn't hurt others. So, as one can see, they linked together - each having a part of the other.

Now around springtime the dove started to act differently, even look differently. He let his feathers grow and would go on long flights with other birds, doing who knows what. And every time the dove went flying he came back later until one day he just didn't come back. The sparrow spent many weeks searching for the dove in vain. If he could find his friend he'd do or say anything to make him want to stay.

After 3 long months the dove returned. He flew right up to his friend the sparrow thinking everything would be as it was, but everything wasn't. Some time before, the sparrow had decided he could not live without the part of himself he had given the dove and that he would not live with the part he had borrowed from the dove so he threw it out. Living with half a heart made the one half cold and hard, and had made the sparrow bitter.

So what's the moral? Whatever has happened between you and your friend, whatever the cost of the journey, search for him; for as long as it takes. And if you cannot find them look within for what you have of theirs and remember what they have of yours. Whatever you find, cling to it.treasure it. Never throw it away. Our friends are a major part of who we are. They're family - brothers and sisters. Treasure one another.Don't let anything go to the birds.




© 2004 Altamesa Church of Christ 817-294-1260