Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Bird Feeder Lessons

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Sofia Rehman.

Good morning.

My dad was devoted to his garden, and at its heart was his bird feeding station. When he passed in 2021, I recreated it in my own garden, tending to it as he did, and over the years, I鈥檝e learned a few lessons from the birds:

1. As the little birds eat, they drop seeds on the floor from where the bigger birds who don't have the dexterity to perch on the feeder can find their share. Eat in a way that allows others to eat also.

2. When the food runs out there's a Robin that actually comes and sits at my window and chirps at me. Don't be afraid of asking for your needs to be met.

3. When a crow spotted a cat stalking the smaller birds, it swooped down and started crowing loudly, scaring the cat away and warning the birds. Look out for others who are different to you and possibly more vulnerable.

4. When the smaller birds eat, they sit in a row on the back fence and take turns to swoop down to eat. As a few eat, a few more stand guard. Look out for your flock.

5. Starting my day off watching birds of various sizes, colours and breeds, eating from the feeders as I have breakfast is so joyful and often entertaining. I love providing for them and know that the One Who provides for me does so with even greater love and joy. There is plenty in the world for us all to thrive.

I pray to be able to make community with all around me, to not succumb to a scarcity mindset but to embrace plenitude for us all. Ameen.

Release date:

2 minutes

On radio

Next Thursday 05:43

Broadcast

  • Next Thursday 05:43

"Time is passing strangely these days..."

"Time is passing strangely these days..."

Uplifting thoughts and hopes for the coronavirus era from Salma El-Wardany.