Take Flight

The theme for this year's calendar is birds, and the idea of 'taking flight'. Sometimes we sit on the branch of life too long, waiting for that perfect moment, that perfect wind that will make our first flight easy and grand. First flights are never perfect. I remember seeing a video once of a momma bird pushing her reluctant chick off the branch. It was so scary, because the young chick had to take a few hard falls. But with each trip off the branch, the chick was learning, wider wingspan catches more air. So eventually, with enough flapping, he was finally flying. The wind swept under his wings, and he naturally did what he was made to do. If he never stepped off the branch, he would not have survived. I think this is a good theme for a new year. What are you waiting on the branch of life for? The young chick showed willingness to grow, despite discomfort, to ask more of himself, despite fear, to ask 'why not' instead of 'why'. The moment, as always, is now.