May 15

'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Philippians 1:21

I heard a loud thud on the kitchen window, followed by a squeal outside near where my daughter was sitting enjoying herself in the sunshine. Upon further investigation I found out that a pigeon had flown into the window and was flapping around on the grass where it had fallen. After I ushered my daughter inside, not knowing the full extent of the injury to the bird, I went out to try and move it on and back into flight. Unfortunately it had broken its neck upon impact and I was watching it die. It took less than a minute and I didn't realise what was happening until after it had happened.

After giving it a bird funeral (throwing it into the undergrowth at the back of the garden away from the house) I was left fielding questions about where the bird was from an inquiring mind. Death is not an easy subject to explain at any age, but it did remind me of my obligation as a Christian to die daily. We see it every season with the plants especially around the beginning of March, in the UK, when the daffodils and buds begin pushing their way through the earth.

The problem with dying to self-daily, is that whilst we have to learn from the experiences of the day’s trial we ought not to depend on them as an infallible resource for future use. As simple as that sounds it is a difficult process to master in real terms, because in our minds 'daily knowledge builds experience.' That day to day experience is crucial in helping us to stop from making the same mistakes, but at the same time, that reliance on self, fools us into thinking that we can depend on ourselves and not God.

Then what is the answer? Each day we need to begin our days giving it all to God. Starting a day without God is a sure way to trip into failure. Like the pigeon, who clearly did not see the window it flew into causing its premature death. Remember, time spent with God is a necessary investment not a luxury when we manage our time properly. Did you remember to pray this morning? If not, try not to make that mistake tomorrow. Pray saves lives.

Committed sing their arrangement of 'Indescribable' by Chris Tomlin. Click on the picture to listen.