The Unloved

I did it again!

I hit that nasty "publish" button too soon last night *sorry* 

For the past few years my husband and I have enjoyed the wild turkeys

during the fall, winter and spring months on our property.

We throw wild bird seed and hen scratch

on the ground under two huge pine trees for the birds

and the turkeys are delighted to join them for a meal.

I have become quite attached to these turkeys

through my new hobby of "Bird Watching"

and am amazed at some of their behavioral ways.

These turkeys by the way, practically eat out of my hands

and even talk back to me when I make some of their sounds

that I have taught myself.

I can gobble just a fast as they can! Well, almost. Ha!

Every morning these little darlings bring me joy,

in fact, I've had many a belly laugh over watching them run

to and fro in front of our home when it is quite icy

as they try to gracefully handle themselves

though many times it's on their bums. :) 

During the spring we have the privilege of watching the tom's

with their feathers fluffed out in all their glory

as they strut around for their pretty little Merriam's.

The last few days we have had five tom's all fluffed out together,

and of course no picture. :(

but in my presence, there have been no fights.

I wonder...

After watching the behavior of this flock all winter long

it seems as if the main tom is teaching and training 

those younger tom's.

It would appear that they are under his wing. *no pun intended*

I have also noticed in these last few days

that those younger tom's are breaking off with a few little Merriam's 

to call their own, yet they still remain near the flock

undisturbed by the head tom.

But sadly~ there is one tom that lives on the outskirts of this flock. :(

He is always by himself, yet close enough to the others

without getting into trouble with the Head Honcho.

If he even tries to move in closer, he is pushed out.

He waits to eat after the others have finished,

so he eats alone.

He comes near our home by way of the "back door" you might say,

and runs whenever it looks like he is being threatened.

He's been a part of the 14 we have had all winter,

yet he is an outcast.

Watching this lonesome guy looking in from the outside

makes me feel quite sad.

I have never liked seeing a "loner" even with humans,

it breaks my heart.

As I watch the behavior of the flock,

I can't help but think of the way some people treat one another.

I've seen others being left out of a "group" and not bothered with.

People can be so cruel and unkind with their words and actions,

not showing much in the way of love and grace.

If we were to examine ourselves, are we taking the time to befriend

a lonely sole and show them that we care?

Are we carelessly going through our days with out noticing 

the many needs of others around us?

Are we to busy to notice that someone may be all alone,,

discouraged or troubled?

To know and to be known, to love and to be loved,

to care and to be cared for~these are some of our

deepest human needs.

God would have us to come along side one another

showing love and concern in a manner that

reflects His glory.

If we are going to reflect the glory of God

then we must reflect His image. 

As we study God's Word, the Spirit teaches us

how to have a loving heart that would reflect Him.

Maybe you are that one who feels unloved?

My heart remembers you in prayer.

May you find encouragement knowing 

that God loves and cherishes you.

~~

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

My frame is not hidden from You, when I was made in secret,

and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed,

and in Your book they are written, the days fashioned for me,

when as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me O God!

How great is the sum of them."

(Psalm 139:13-17) 

~~It is God's will that we love one another~~

"And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name

of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another,

as he gave us commandment."

(1 John 3:23)

God commands us to love one another, it's not a choice.

~~

~~That we encourage one another~~

In Deuteronomy chapter (3:23-29) Moses is forbidden to enter Canaan,

but the Israelite's were commanded to encourage Joshua

to go over before the people to inherit the land.

 ~~

~~That we admonish one another~~

"Let the Word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom,

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns

and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

(Colossians 3:16)

Look at the beauty of this verse! 

If we are doing as this verse commands,

love would certainly flow out from our hearts on to others.

~~

~~That we be kind & forgiving to one another~~

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

(Ephesians 4:32) 

~~

~~That we serve one another~~

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;

only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,

but by love serve one another."

(Galatians 5:13)

~~

~~That we bear with one another in love~~

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

(Colossians 3:13)

~~

~~That we grumble not against one another~~

"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door."

(James 5:9)

~~

~~That we speak not evil of one another~~

"Speak not evil one of another, brethren, he that speaketh evil

of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law,

and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law,

but a judge.
(James 4:11)

~~

~~And then~Let us pray for one another~~

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,

that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a

righteous man availeth much."

(James 5:16)

~~

When we find ourselves on our knees praying for others

no matter who they are, we will grow to have a love for them

and see great and mighty things happen

through the grace of God. 

~~

O God, teach us what it means to love deeply and profoundly,

as Jesus did.

Amen

Be Gracious!

~Debbie~