In a list of latest headlines this morning I found one that stood out from the rest, being different in kind— yet similar in nature.
Appearing in the BBC Nature News, the headline is Cuckoos’ Shameless Egg-laying Tactics Revealed.
Before reading the article, I thought of the cowbird that is known for laying its eggs in other birds nests. The twist on this article, though, is that scientists have confirmed that the female Cuckoo doesn’t wait for an empty nest to lay her eggs, but forcibly shoves a sitting bird off it’s nest in order to leave her own.
What seems a bit unprincipled in nature, might be a good occasion to remind ourselves of the ethics of the Spirit. On several occasions the New Testament reminds us of a non-violent strategy that is quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, patient, gentle, winsome, even knowing when to be shamelessly kind—to the point of appearing scandalously gracious.
This is not to say that the Spirit of God is weak, unengaged, passive, or unable to endure the weight of great effort, burdens of love, or rejection.
Am hoping that the lowly ethics of the cuckoo will give us a smile and a chance to compare thoughts–on the way forward.
By the way, was out of town last week, but thoroughly enjoyed catching up on all that you said in the last conversation. Thank you for your friendship and helpfulness to me and one another.