March 1st

The cactus wren is the state bird of Arizona. It is a friendly bird and seems curious about everything that happens in its territory.

Our RV rig was something new and different to a pair of cactus Wrens which were about that first winter in Tombstone. We saw them sitting in the mesquite across the road and watching us. They kept their distance for quite a while. Then early one evening I heard a sound at the window near the couch where I sat. When I turned to look I was eye to eye with Mr. Cactus Wren. He sat there for several moments surveying us and the interior of the RV, not flying away until he had had a good look. We were delighted that he did this several times most unexpectedly. We looked forward to his visits.

In an effort to keep him coming, I made a feeder by spreading peanut butter on a fat pine cone and rolling it in birdseed. Then I hung it out at the window by the couch. The wren was interested. He discovered that the peanut butter was the best part, so he left the seeds to the finches and drove his long beak down into the cone to get it. He was selective as well as curious.

Often we take whatever is offered to us, not concerned about the quality of content or whether or not it is really what we want or need. Like the finches we accept seed on the surface rather than seeking further for the meat as the wren did. This is especially true when we relate to God’s Word. We willingly accept the milk of the Word but not so willingly do we seek the meat of the Word which strikes the heart of the issues of life. I want to get the meat. How about you?

DIGGING FOR TREASURE
We must seek out the ocean’s pearl.
It will not pass our window by
As clouds do, hovering o’er the earth,
Or flitting wings of butterfly.
We must dig deep into the earth
For life-gift of artesian well.
And we must penetrate to the worth
Of love-in-hiding ‘neath a ‘shell’.

We must be willing to search out
A waterfall’s fair rainbow made,
Or rushing stream where bides a trout,
Or the stillness of a forest glade.
‘Tis only as we strive and climb
That we see the view from a mountain peak,
And only when we wake in time
Doth morn’s awakening to us speak.

The treasures of a thorny rose
Show forth as petals all unfold,
And though life’s moments bring us woes,
They’re laden with the purest gold;
But we must move forth as they come,
Embracing each and holding fast
Until we’ve gleaned the smallest crumb
Of gold dust as they hurry past.

We must look well in hidden place
And follow after homing bee
If we the strawberry would taste
Or savor honey from a tree.
When we feel impotent or blind,
When illness is a deadly threat,
In seeking blessings we will find
The taste of life the sweetest yet.

Prayer: Dear Father, I want the most You can give me of You, of Your Word, of Your wisdom and understanding. Help me not to be satisfied just with scratching the surface in any part of my life.