It's like that on the bird trail too. We need someone to come alongside and help us identify what we are seeing in yonder trees.

I remember one trip where a birder had made a find and was asking the group leader, "Is that a good bird?" I knew what he meant. He was trying to signal that he was new to all this, that he was excited to see anything at all, but he didn't know whether the bird would be considered awe-inspiring to those assembled.

The birder needed to be assured that all birds are good. It's the value we put on them that makes the difference on a bird walk.

That'll "preach" won't it? What value do you put on the various races? On the various religions? On the lost? On the members of your church? Your family? Yourself. "They're all good," says the Creator. We understand what sin has done, but potentially they can all stand before God as white as snow if we pray them into the Kingdom of God. No limits to God's grace.

Another take on the "value" concept is the oft-repeated statement, "It's only a ______." Robin, sparrow, Canada goose, etc. You name it. There are a number of birds that are basically ignored by the seasoned bird-lister because they have lost their rarity. We value the rare bird as the miner values gold. It's hard to get to, hard to see, hard to describe.

In Solomon's day even the precious metal silver had become devalued for the same reason. Anything we see too much has that effect on us. I wonder if that is the reason that the Lord does not give us all His graces overnight and in too much abundance. He certainly is able. But does he risk becoming too common to His people? Would he be taken for granted and despised? It certainly takes a rare Christian to steward a common grace.

For most of us then, it is still, "Seek, and you shall find." And you really shall.

Another thing I have learned from birds is how desperation can change their habits. They are afraid to come near humans, but given extreme hunger they will go against their instincts and venture closer. Our desperation for God, when it surfaces, and we pray that it will do so often, causes strange variations to our normally proud conduct in regards to Him.

How religious America became on 9-11-01 is only one of many examples.

Then there are those birds that feed each other. Fascinating to watch. We know they don't have to do this to fill their bellies. Do birds have relational needs, too? Believers need to learn this one from the feathered brothers and sisters. You don't have to feed and be fed, but it feels much better when such behavior takes place among us.

Finally, my trip to the Everglades, and may it be repeated soon and often, totally overwhelmed me with the fathomless wisdom of God. Multitudes of birds, multitudes of species. Such creativity in His mind, such beauty.