Interruptions

            One morning this summer, I had an unusual encounter. Each time we visit the family “cabin,” Christy and I put out hummingbird feeders. We enjoy watching the acrobatics of these living jewels. This year Rufous Hummingbirds drank at out feeders. Rufous Hummingbirds are quite aggressive and territorial. With their russet feathers gleaming, they take on all comers, defending “their” territory. During the day they put on quite the show. As the stars come out each night, we take in the feeders, as Racoons will knock them down and break them. In the morning, as I start my devotions, I hang them up again. In less than five minutes the hummingbirds show up for their repast.

While the hummingbirds break their fast, I spend a few minutes in private devotions. And yes, I enjoy coffee during this quiet time. I’m breaking my own fast. As an easily distracted person, I usually close my eyes when I pray, except when I’m reading off a prayer list. However, when vacationing in the mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, I alter my practice. I want to take in as much of God’s splendid creation as possible. I join in the praise His creation offers as witness to His grand and beautiful design. I know this is not theologically supportable; but, I think God was on His A game when he created the mountains of New Mexico. At any rate, I always enjoy the quiet moments alone on the porch. Well, most of the time.

One morning, as I sat there, contemplating the grandeur of God’s creation, I was rudely interrupted. A Rufous hummingbird came and hovered in front of me. He hovered so closely that I could feel the downdraft of his wings on my legs. He hovered at right angles to me, keeping his eye level with mine. And then he hectored me! His angry twittering disrupted my thoughts. Startled, I realized this was not some splendid moment of communion between man and beast. No, this was a moment of direction. I had stupidly forgotten my first task, bring out the food. How dare I sit and sip my coffee while this bird and his fellow fliers went hungry. Shamefaced, I got up and returned with the feeders and hung them up. I was never bothered by a bird again. I did find the breeze of his wings rather splendid.