Lesson from the robin

March 19, 2004
I saw a robust little brown robin taking a bath in a puddle of water that had collected in a pothole in the middle of the road. His wings were vigorously splashing the water and he was boldly enjoying himself. He was taking advantage of the blessing of the puddled pothole regardless of its precarious spot in traffic’s way. When my car traveled too close for his comfort, he flew out of harms way. I suspect he flew back to finish his bath after I passed by.

I am pondering the lesson of the robin. I believe the picture the robin left in my mind is a reminder for me to practice my faith and trust in a bold way. I can choose to enjoy the blessing this trial will bring by allowing myself to bathe in its complexities with the knowledge that when it becomes too much, I can retreat to the safety of the Lord, family and friends. Or I can choose to submerge myself in the rut of this pothole and allow everything to run over me. A choice I need to make day-to-day or even moment-to-moment.