I love to go outside early in the morning and listen to the birds sing the praises of creation, announcing God’s glory to the world. Countless melodies united together in one colorful chorus…it’s so beautiful! But why do they do it? Why do birds sing? The answer that came to mind seemed so simple: it’s what God made them to do.
Recently, as I sat outside with my coffee one morning listening to the birds, I wondered, What about me, Lord? What did you make me to be? A writer? A speaker? One thing I knew for sure: He didn’t make me a singer. No, my “beautiful voice” carries a different kind of tune. A different kind of message. But what if no one’s listening?
I watched and listened to the birds singing in the trees, chirping in the sky and humming among the sweet-smelling flowers…none of them cared if anyone noticed. They didn’t look around to see who was listening. And I realized that’s what I need to be like. I should not be concerned about the results I can or cannot see in response to my ministry efforts. That is not the gauge of how “successful” my message is. As long as I am faithfully fulfilling my calling for the sake of God’s glory and by the power of His Holy Spirit in the God-given role He has given me, I cannot fail.
How shameful it would be if the only gauge of the morning birds’ glorious singing were the reaction of someone who was hearing-impaired or how many people stopped what they were doing in order to listen. Birds do not sing to be heard by others or to test out their new musical combinations. They sing simply because they can. They flourish in their God-given design because it is only when they are living out the life God intended, that the song God placed within them becomes “music to our ears.”
Did you know that inside each one of us, God has placed a song? Whether your song is sung through voice, pen, html code, hands of service, arms of compassion, or the feet that bring Good News to a far away land, there is only one person that can sing your song: You.
“He who goes out weeping, carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5
What’s your song?
Shadia Hrichi
