Fly Robin Fly

A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
- Proverbs 12:11 (TLB)

Call it weird or highly unusual, but a Red, Red Robin wasn’t “Bob, Bob, Bobbing-along” but speeding (on foot) like a traditional (feathered) road- runner just the other day. The red breasted small wonder “bobbed” [to appear or arise unexpectedly or suddenly] from one side of Emerson Drive to the other –without attempting to flap its wings.

The Red Robin was just inches away from getting run over had I been driving just a bit faster even though I was in a residential area where vehicle the speed was posted at 25 MPH. Why wouldn’t the bird just “fly” across the pavement instead of running on foot? It seemed like the most logical thing to do, but why not? Perhaps there was a scrap of food on the ground from a nearby trash can, an earthworm that had just lifted its head in a precise spot, or the cry of its mate in a nearby tree top. Perhaps one of these may have been reason enough.

However, from a human perspective, running on the ground was very risky. Yet, I’m aware that there are varieties of birds with wings but are unable to fly; for instance the Ostrich – an African bird characterized by long, bare neck and legs, two-towed feet and small wings. Because of its large body and subsequent small size wings, it is unable to take off and soar into the sky. The Ostrich hence relies on foot power rather than wing power. Yet, what about the Red, Red Robin that sped across the pavement almost as fast as a speeding bullet! What practical lesson can be learned from this?

Let’s surmise that the Red Robin was aggressive to provide food for its mate and young in the nest! With that as a possible clue, Proverbs 12:11 gives an example of what it means to live wisely: “A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.” Another translation (the Message/ REMIX) puts the same verse like this; “The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.” Notice the bold texted word witless, which is defined as lacking intelligence or wit. No doubt the little Robin serves to remind us that making the right decision [to provide food for itself or others of its kind] very often may be the cause and effect of setbacks –some of course potentially life threatening. But you don’t stand still; learn from life’s training field and trust God-in-Christ to lead you.

I see the Proverbs having more to say to students than to teachers. The book makes it clear that there are no good alternatives to learning wisdom. We are either becoming wise learners or refusing to learn and becoming foolish failures. Check out this wit and wisdom:

Many foxes grow grey, but few grow good.
He most lives who thinks most, feels noblest, and acts best.
He who never fails will never grow rich.
He who pays the piper, calls the tune.
Up, Sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough.
There are no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.
Be ever at leisure to do good; never make business your excuse to decline the works of humanity.
Enjoy the present hour, be mindful of the past; and neither fear nor wish the approaches of the past.

Selah

Sharp as a tack

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. – Titus 2:7,8 (TLB)


Each year we celebrate the birth of the United States and America’s independence. More than just an annual observance for the blessings and benefits of living in this great land, the 4th of July celebration provides a special time of remembrance. 11 years ago, July 4, 1999, Morgan Idella Jones was born - the second child of my daughter Giselle and her husband Ron. Grandpa Fred and Grandma Lillie Jones had the good fortune this time to have both of their children and their families together.

Our son, Rick, was up from Melbourne, Florida for a two -week vacation while Giselle’s summer teaching schedule at Bennett College allowed her to be off on Fridays. For a fun filled, 2-day and 1-night outing, pre-arrangement had been made for them at the Great Wolf’s lodge – just outside the city limits of Charlotte and Concord, NC. So, Giselle and Ron drove up from Jamestown, NC while Rick and Lynette traveled a few miles from Matthews, NC where Lynnette’s parents lives. All of us agreed to meet at a convenient restaurant for a family meal on Friday, July 2nd.

Since my wife and I were on a cruise when Father’s day came around, the kids presented me with a belated gift -a brand new cowboy style hat and several gift cards.
To see if the size would fit, I gently placed it on my head and it felt just right! “How do I look, y’all?" Out of the clear blue, Ashley said, “Grandpa, You’re sharp as a tack! Mama said you always liked hats and this one allows your gray hair [on the sides] to show up too.” Micah, the 8-year-old son of Rick and Lynette, politely asked, “ Granddaddy, can I please try on your new hat?” “Yep,” I replied. “But don’t pull down on the brim (the projecting rim or edge) so I will not have to work too hard to keep it looking good.” I chuckled a bit when he put it on.

Ashley, Morgan, and Eden had their turn, but I was thrown for a loop after little Ron had his chance. He looked up with the hat covering nearly his whole head and blared (to sound loudly) out, “Hey, guys, am I sharp as a tack?” We all smiled of course, but my response was, Whoa! Not only is this 5-year old full of wit (keenness of perception or discernment), but he gives special attention to what is being said! Then again all children are impressionable; so, it is important how adults basically behave around them.

The evening meal was delightful. Sleepy time was drawing near especially as the whole clan was tired out from being in the water since checking in at the lodge around 1:30 PM on Friday. I had moments to reminisce when I got home. The short phrase, Sharp as a tack came to mind again and I could see my youngest grandson’s demeanor (the way one behaves or conducts oneself). I rationalized that perhaps he got everyone’s attention by copycatting his oldest sister’s (Ashley) earlier remark. Whatever may have triggered his reaction, his timing nonetheless was noteworthy and even more how he said it.

“Sharp as a tack” is an idiom, which is a speech form or expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or that cannot be understood from the individual meaning of its element. For example, "he may be old in years, but he’s sharp as a tack and knows what he’s talking about" can be typically described as idiomatic. On the other hand, what is the logic behind this sentence? Could it be in this instance that “as sharp as a tack” comparatively links old age with applicable knowledge or wisdom? This could be the case; if so, let’s carry it a bit further.

Could it be that Ron’s question be narrowed down and answered in the following way, "I may be a little guy with a lot to learn, but I’m as sharp as a tack. I’m wearing my grandpa’s hat right now and he can teach me?" I believe this is it! From a spiritual perspective, I got the message. Just as a tack is physically a sharp pointed object with a flat head and can used for the exact purpose it was made for, so is my life [living in accordance to God’s will] to serve as a grandfather model for him to follow. As a good example from this awareness, Titus 2: 7,8 records Paul’s insistence that Titus concentrate on being a good example to those around him so that others might see his good deeds and imitates him. Paul’s life would give his words greater impact. This is a powerful discovery. If you want someone to act a certain way, one should live that way himself or herself. So that he or she will earn the right to be heard and his or her life will reinforce what is being taught. Selah