I got a sense of the 360 degree appraisal of the environment the Birds normally do for their next flight path, while watching the body movements of this Common Iora in our garden!
Looking downward, Looking sideward, Looking back, looking upward and looking forward, followed by the flight readiness posture!
All moves of birds, would have this composite view before they move forward!
I was reminded of an experience of Nehemiah described in the second chapter of the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. While carrying wine to the King (v2), the king noticed that Nehemiah was appearing sad, which the King described, as, 'sadness of heart'!
Nehemiah had the sad news of the plight of remnant of the Jews in Jerusalem from his brother (Nehe.12). This was what made Nehemiah sad in his heart. It pleased the king to send Nehemiah to attend to the needs of people in Jerusalem, which began with Nehemiah praying to the 'God of heaven' (Nehe.2:4).
The whole story of Nehemiah getting people to join together to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem, described in the book, started following sense of helpless which filled Nehemiah with sadness of heart.
Those five years in my life of waiting for a door to open for further training in Developmental Neurology was similar to the 'sadness of heart' that was referred to in the biography of Nehemiah, which made him leave his position as the cup bearer in the Kings's chamber.
The sadness of heart is not the end of journey!
It is the beginning of a journey!
The opening that was given to me unasked for at the Institute of Neurology was an enlightening and enlarging season of four years in my life, which led to fulfilling years in the last 25 years while being involved with children and their families who had different developmental needs. There were seventeen children for on-line consultation yesterday out of which four were from different countries! It was beyond my imagination that it would be possible to have regular contacts with children and parents resident overseas.
This gives me a glimpse of the 360 degree opportunity of life that God brings in to our lives!
One's readiness to live with a sense of endurance and steadfastness is what makes seasons in life bring a convergence to bring meaning and purpose in life and living.
The life events occur at the opportune time!
Till that time, like the avian practice of being alert and alive to the environment, by having a 360 degree view of its setting, is all that we can do for ourselves!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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