Mockingbirds are not generally found at the top of the list of favorites in this part of the country. They are aggressive, driving other birds away from the feeders, and they are loud. Aggressive and loud seldom endears anything or anyone to others. Mockingbirds do not have the brilliant plumage of the Cardinal, the Indigo Bunting, or the Goldfinch, which are common this time of the year. Yet, in spite of these negatives, I have a Mockingbird that is among my very treasured acquaintances.

For years, this Mockingbird has sung his loud and varied song in an old tree just outside my office window. He has always been loud enough to be heard, even in my office confines. He always brought a smile to me in the morning hours, when much of what I hear is depressing or lackluster.

When we began the new building work and the renovation of the older section of our church plant, it was deemed necessary to remove the old tree. I considered chaining myself to the tree, but was of the opinion that my popularity in these waning years might not be enough to prohibit the chain saws, so I elected to watch the tree fall with only a slight sigh. One of my real concerns was for the welfare of the Mockingbird.

Happily, I was wrong!
I envisioned my Mockingbird buddy leaving, since the tree, which had always been his stage from which to perform, was no longer there. Happily, I was wrong! As though it was his special task to cheer me each morning, he just moved to the peak of the roof above me and continued his appointed destiny.

Do you think we might learn a lesson from this persistent bird? He had a job to do and enjoyed doing it. Really big thunder storms temporarily distracted him, but ordinary rain just encouraged him. I often heard him in the midst of a summer shower singing at the top of his voice, in what appeared to be exuberant thanksgiving for the relief from the summer's heat. I cannot help thinking of the attitude of the Apostle Paul when he wrote, "...I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13 NASB) Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." (Matthew 10:29) I have no doubt that the God who knows when a sparrow falls must surely know my Mockingbird and hears his song.