First Baptist Church of Herndon

What about me?

Linda Soller | Apr 16, 2018

Each day I hang my bird feeder above our deck and each night I bring it in the house. If I don’t the raccoons get into it. When it’s very cold, I spread extra seed for the ground feeders and the squirrels.  Once the weather starts to warm I stop spreading seed on the ground. 

One morning I was just inside my backdoor filling the feeder when I caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye.  I turned slowly to find a rather plump squirrel sitting on my back step watching me fill the feeder. It’s not a quiet activity! There was a fair amount of movement on my part and still he sat and watched. I put the lid on my tin seed can and looked back at him. We made eye contact. I think he saw I didn’t plan to sprinkle any seed about for him. He didn’t move. His expression said what about me? I didn’t move. Then, I caved. He watched as I opened the can again and scooped extra seed to sprinkle about. When I went out the door he scurried to the side. I hung the feeder and spread the extra on the deck steps, said “good morning guys, time to eat” and went back inside. He dug right in. The birds were close behind.

Sometimes we start something without giving much thought to what happens when we stop. We donate to a good cause and figure someone else will pick up where we left off. We volunteer when convenient, convenient for us. My little squirrel made me realize I had built up his expectations. I had appeared to care, but suddenly changed my ways. We can’t be all things to all people. I applaud anyone who tries to help others in their time of need.  But I am learning to select my causes carefully. I want to be the person that others can count on. I want to take on tasks I can stick with for the long haul. I would never want someone who relied on my actions or gifts to have to ask, what about me?  

Have a great week!  :o) Linda