The Bulbul birds on arrival at the feeding table will call out for other birds before starting to feed. Their feeding sequence is similar to what is in the serial photos above .
They come to the feeding table on a few occasions during the day. They return to the feeding table assured of the feed! It is a refreshing sight to watch.
A priest, Rev Sajan P Mathew of the Marthoma Church, composed a song, the refrain of which is: 'There is no rain that would not stop, no wind that would not settle down, no night that would not break forth into a day, no pain that would not fade away...' He received this song in his heart from an incident he read in a book of two people waiting for rain to end outside a church. Both of them had no rain coat or an umbrella. One became impatient and was about to go back, although would be drenched. The other told him, 'every rain would stop'.
Rev Sajan seems to have read this at a time when he was receiving chemotherapy for a tumour when he was 25 years into the priestly ministry. He was disheartened and had many questions to God! He was reminded of Jesus asking the disciples to cast the net again after they caught no fish after a night of toil (John 21: 1-17). They had a large catch of fish. Rev. Sajan saw in that incident all new possibilities beyond his cancer and its treatment. He spoke about his wellness and renewal experience following this awareness. He is more than a survivor of cancer; he is an inspiration to many as he sings and speaks of God who is merciful, forgiving and forbearing . The above song he composed while receiving chemotherapy, is the favourite of many who come to their wits end.
At seventy five years of age, two years ago, when I decided to step back from full time clinical work, I wondered what awaited me! I received an invitation form an institution to be a listener to people on their pilgrim journey. This offered me an opportunity to listen to faculty on line, which in the last two years became a new experience of becoming closer to some in their longing to find direction in life.
It is a season in my life when I am given a window to experience the inner fortitude of many, overcoming challenges in life through their trustful pursuit after God!
When I watch the Bulbuls at the feeding station and see them fly away satisfied after the feed, I am reminded of those whom I listen to, who journey in faith to find their hope and peace by turning to God.
I find a new experience in being a listener! It is a way of regarding, affirming and valuing a person whom I listen to! The silence of listening is an occasion to draw closer to a person! A word spoken or a resonance would then spring from a depth that is beyond the mind perception.
In listening to others, one deepens one's own awareness and moves on to live from a depth of openness.
I sometimes experience listening leading to be in communion with the person who speaks. The words spoken evoke a new understanding about the person and the hidden truth or wisdom or search resident in that person ! In such an attitude of listening, the words heard become the key to know the person!
I often feel ministered to, while listening attentively!
Listening is the way to become aware of the gift that we are to each other!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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