Flamingos

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Flamingos

The group of Flamingos gathered together near the water made a spectacular display of pink. What unusual creatures they are. The fact they congregate in large groups makes them even more striking. A group of Flamingos are called a stand or a flamboyance. I like the latter name because they are indeed flamboyant. Long necks and legs combined with their bright pink-colored feathers makes for a head-turning sight. Interestingly, those feathers range from white to varying shades of pinks to reds. The better fed they are, the brighter the colors. In spite of their size, they can actually fly, and they fly long distances fast. We can garner a tip or two from those birds.

We, people, also benefit from gathering together. When we can get along with a group of people, we can join our minds together to come up with new ideas. If we listen respectfully to each other, we can cull good ideas from harmful ones. Even our first ancestors realized that as a group, we can also better protect ourselves. Fortunately, its less likely we people need group protection from an eagle picking us off for his dinner which can happen to an isolated flamingo; but people thrive from the emotional and physical support of others. We also prop up our emotional health when we gather with other emotionally healthy people. Although we won’t grow pink feathers if we pay attention to our nutrition, whatever the color of our skin, we will radiate better health if we are well nourished. If we ask God, He can equip us to enjoy and prosper from group gatherings. He designed us to need and thrive on being with others.

Unless we are in an airplane, flying high for humans is merely an expression for something good happening for us. We have an advantage over flamingoes in pursuing those moments of satisfaction. When we gather together in a church with other believers, we soak up the love of God and grow in the blessings of fellowship. Social distancing would never work with a stand of flamingos. Let’s pray today for God to deliver us from the need to stay clear of one another and open up opportunities to safely enjoy one another.