aussiebirder

What Life Lessons Can We

Learn From The Birds?

 1.  Exchange Anxiety, Fear and Worry for Trust, Love and Peace.

Being qualified in Counselling and Family Therapy, as a Christian, I believe some of the most practical and helpful words regarding managing stress and anxiety are found in the Christian Bible, particularly where Jesus Christ refers to the behaviour of birds. Jesus himself was a bird observer and refers many times life examples from the behaviour of birds:

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? – The Gospel of Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

Worry Wastes us and our energy, and Fear Freezes us from moving forward, creating stress and bringing doubt, by creating destructive negative energy which is poisonous to our emotional and physical health, in particular our immune system and sense of wellbeing. There is evidence today that many forms of illness, including cancer, can be partly attributed to long term stress and anxiety. Many forms of addiction are formed in individuals who are trying desperately to relieve and alleviate the pain and suffering of their unresolved grief, loss or failure (depressive thoughts and feelings). The birds are a great example of trust which Jesus, also a birdwatcher, points out to us…

Later in the Christian Bible we find Paul an imprisoned apostle of Jesus Christ sharing how he has learned to be content in every situation in life even while being unjustly imprisoned and brutally treated, He goes on to say why…

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Paul the Apostle (In his letter to the church at Philippi) Philippians 4:12)

The reason he could say this and have such a supernatural peace in every situation he found himself in was…

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and  requests, being thankful, continue to make your needs known to God.  And God’s peace that he alone gives, which goes beyond all human understanding, shall  guard your hearts and minds as you trust in Jesus who is the Christ.” – from Philippians 4:6,7

Many people, have discovered the peace and contentment of hooking into God’s promises and letting Him into their lives. This has been an amazing journey for me personally, freeing me from the worry, anxiety and stress previously experienced over the things in life I had no control over, but over which God does. Worry is simply our attempt to control circumstances we actually have no control over. Our attempt to be in control of every aspect of our life is a sign of deep insecurity and fear of failure which often stems from dysfunctional beliefs seeded in our minds and arising from our family of origin i.e. unfulfilled expectations, either within ourselves, our parents or our peers, being carried into our adult life.

It is only when we come to realize how much we are loved by God, the great value he places on our lives and how much he cares for us, that we can truly rest and trust him through our anxious times. With this level of trust and security Paul draws from the source of his contentment and courage. Even greater than this, Paul knew that whatever happens to us both good or bad (all things) eventually turn out for our good and the growth of our character, because our loving Heavenly Father who knows both the beginning and end of all things, and is intimately concerned with our lives, is ultimately in control of the outcome:

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

The most repeated phrase in the Bible from God to us is “Do not be afraid” and the statement that follows is the reason why “… for I am with you” says the Lord. It is knowing the presence of God and trusting him that dispels our fear and uncertainty. This has been a mainstay for me and many who have put their trust in God throughout the 2020, 2021 Corona virus pandemic. Fear prevents us from reaching our full potential and is actually the opposite to love, for to live in unconditional love is the most positive, peaceful and trusting state of heart one can experience.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

God often likened himself to a large bird of protection, such as an eagle, for those who trusted him and took shelter under his wings or were carried to safety on his wings.

“He will cover you with his feathers,  and under his wings you will find refuge [protection];” – Psalm 91:4

Our perfectionist self focused behavior including phobias, irrational fears and obsessive compulsive tendencies (OCD) form a major reason many seek counselling today. The Bible has been a source of therapy for thousands of years, and many principles in modern counselling are derived from Bible teaching. Professional counselling is expensive, but Bible truth is free and easily accessible by everyone. After all what better help can one get than that of the Instruction Manual for Life (i.e. God’s Word – The Bible) from The Manufacturer (Creator) himself. The sense of being incomplete and dissatisfied with one self, seeking true fulfilment in life is something most have grappled with throughout history, often phrased: ” Who am I ?“

God’s love expressed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus frees us from the ongoing effects of self focused fear and anxiety and sets us free to love, with joy and true inner peace, with an outward focus on others and faith and trust to experience a rewarding and enjoyable life. Jesus gives us HOPE for a bright and joyful future, since God alone knows the future and has chosen to protect and save those who put their trust in him. Many people grapple with the apparent hopelessness and meaninglessness of life. Life only has true meaning when God our Heavenly Father has his rightful place in our life.

‘You’re sure to be remembered by the love you leave behind.’ – Chris Embrick

2.  Rise Above It All.

The eagle has always been a great inspiration to me, as an example of power and grandeur, in the way that it rises up and effortlessly soars on the thermals, high above the cares and worries of the world below. From high in the sky the eagle gets a much better perspective of life, seeing the big picture and not just looking at the local scene.

The reason we get depressed and anxious is because we allow our difficult situations to engulf and embroil our emotions and our thoughts, allowing them to steal away and disturb our serenity and peace. We experience stress because we think and feel that the challenging situation we may be currently experiencing is bigger than we can safely handle, so we become anxious and afraid. However big it might seem, God is always present for us to call on and rest in for help. This has been my wonderful experience when work appears to overload me, and it just seems impossible to get through it. When I ask God to help me and then rest and trust Him to do so, I am often amazed at how I get all my work done, with time to spare, and feel quite at peace about it all.

If you ever feel trapped or hemmed in, in a dangerous or overwhelming situation, you can all out in faith the name of JESUS ! or ask “Jesus, please help me, I need you !”

Close your eyes and listen to this song I wrote many years ago that God has used to encourage many, maybe even you. Just imagine yourself soaring effortlessly on the thermals high above the earth like an eagle:

3. Live life without Unfulfilled Expectations and Rejoice in the Present Experience.

It is a well known fact in Psychology that  Unfulfilled Expectations are the seeds of Disappointment which may lead, if one remains in this state to Depression, Bitterness, Resentment and Unforgiveness. Many times I have approached the sound of the Australian Reed-Warbler making its loud music from deep down in the reed bed. Many times I have sought to photograph this timid, tiny, elusive, fast flying bird, with disappointment. However, in the most unexpected place, at an unexpected time, I was granted opportunity to photograph this bird. I had to be patient, and realized that I had to let go the ambition, and allow God to grant me the opportunity in His good time.

You have probably heard someone complain about the weather when it is wet, because they want hang out washing or play sport, and yet those same people complain about the weather when it is sunny and hot because they have planted new turf and want rain to water it in. In either case they complain because they do not have control of the weather, but act selfishly as if the weather should do what they want.

We each share a damaged human nature which is a distorted or damaged form of our God-likeness. This is because we have all unwittingly fallen into the trap of thinking (deceiving ourselves) that we are God, and that we should have control over our life and its circumstances in all aspects. However, as birding has shown me, each time we go out to a location, knowing what has been found there in the past by others, or what we had found previously, may not be there when we explore it again. Birds move about, flying freely from habitat to habitat, and that makes birding all the more interesting and challenging. It is here that I have learnt to accept what is handed to me on each occasion, and be thankful for it.

The wonder of this, is that God always gives us something special, a gift, which is uniquely ours for that birding experience, to show us that, he loves to surprise and delight us when we least expect it. The simple truth is, if you have no expectations you will not be disappointed or become hurt emotionally. This will make it easy to be positive, peaceful and joyful, being thankful for each life experience as it comes your way.

Always remember: Unfulfilled Expectations leads to Disappointment leads to Anger, expressed in Rage or Depression, and if unresolved leads to Bitterness, Resentment and Unforgiveness, which over time leads to mental, emotional, physical and social health issues.

It has been stated that over 60% of hospitalized patients have some connection with residual anger due to unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment, being the causation or exacerbation of their condition.

The Bible, including Counselors, teach people to live each day with an attitude of gratitude, which has the power to transform one’s life and begin to experience the wonder and beauty of living in the present, rather then living in the failure of the past or the expectation of the future, which may never be the way one wants it to be. Becoming mindful of your present life, choosing to enjoy each moment, is healthy and restorative. 

Birding has helped teach me to appreciate what is, rather than be gloomy about what I expected or what could be, or even unrealistically may be deceived into believing, what should be, which leads to anger and frustration, because we do not have control over all our life aspects. The bird I am looking for may not be there when I explore an area, but I have learned to let that go saying to myself: “That’s what it is” and enjoy what is there, and be thankful just for the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and the beauty of Creation. This harks back to Bible verse quoted above, which reminds us to let God lead our life, rather than try to unsuccessfully  force our own way, only to become anxious, angry, frustrated and disappointed. Take a look at what Jesus Christ said in the parable he told in Luke 12:16-21

4. Learn to View Your Life in Seasons, as the Birds Do.

Birds readily adjust to the changing seasons. Seasons exist to bring the changes needed for the variety required in life. There are two kinds of seasons in life: Seasons which refer to the cyclic changes of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, as well as, the seasons of activity and change that take place in the life of the bird or us. This refers to seasons of growth, development, courting, breeding, nesting, training and grieving loss. Birds have intelligently adjusted their life to seasons and humbly accept them as  part of the normal function of life.

The Bar-tailed Godwit pictured above have just returned from a 16,000 km, eight day, non stop flight over the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Australia where it spent our Winter months breeding and feeding in the Northern Hemisphere. It has returned to Australia to avoid the harsh Alaskan Winter and enjoy the warmth of our Australian Summer. Each year these birds migrate about 32,000 km flying between Alaska and Australia, and they do not complain or refuse to make the journey unless they are juvenile or have some physical impediment.  When I see my life as a series of changing seasons, I can calmly and peacefully adjust. The wisest man King Solomon, explained this concept in his wisdom writings in the Bible:

‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

    a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

    a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

    a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

    a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace.’ – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In a similar way to the birds we can embrace each new season of life and know that it must occur, and bring necessary change which is needed to help us grow stronger and wiser as a person. We may not like what happens to us or others at the time, but will see the benefits it brings later. Our acceptance of this process will assist to allay the anger and frustration that comes when unwanted changes occur, especially when they are unexpected, such as a death, disaster or illness.

My book ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ deals with the above issue, and many of the issues raised in this discourse. You can check it out and purchase it here securely online by clicking the image of the book page. It will open in a new tab so you can return to this page.

Many cases of depression and psychological disorders may be linked to people not coping with the changes in life, and reacting to them rather than acting with them, as the birds do. Sadness, anger, frustration and grief can bring a season of Winter to the soul, but the good news which we need to remember is that Spring follows Winter, and with it comes new beginnings and warm bright days of returning hope. There may need for adjustment to the changes and rethinking how life will look with theses changes. We need to ride the difficult season, and learn from it, with hope of a coming Spring. It is true that those who have braved the difficulties of their life, and not just endured surviving the experience, but grown and developed in character because of the experience, are far richer for it and able to assist and encourage others with a newly obtained empathy and understanding.

5. View each challenging Life Experience not as a Problem to Solve but as an Opportunity to Grow and Develop as a Person.

Birding is good for the soul. As I have already iterated, there is a richer and more wonderful way to live life, which I am still discovering more and more each new day. I have a favorite saying (or life principle) that I share with people going through hard times, and often to myself, which is:

Don’t Miss the Treasure in the Trial

 Each challenge presented to us in life is meant to be for our good, no matter how horrible it may appear. We usually don’t realize the benefits at the time, but later in hindsight we can see how the hardship and difficulty helped shape our life and character. So why not look for the positive rather than be brought down by the negative emotions that often accompany our hurting situations. It brings a powerful dynamic into our lives.  A better saying than the one above is:

Look for the Treasure in the Trial

The Spotted Pardalote is a favorite of ours, one of Australia’s smallest birds, having amazing beauty when viewed from above, though looking quite ordinary when viewed from below. The problem is, most of us never ever see this bird as it usually dwells in the tops of high eucalypt trees, flies very fast, and is  very small. I am always amazed at how much detail is painted on the wings, head and back of this bird. However, this bird does not build a nest high in the trees where it seeks its food, but in a tunnel in an embankment at ground level. This bird shows in its life features the two sides of life, and how even under the difficulty of nesting at  ground level where it is very vulnerable, but in fact actually protects it from larger carnivorous birds and animals, because the entrance is small and often difficult to find.

It is amazing to watch these birds fly full speed in and out of their nesting holes with mathematical precision. It is not until we appreciate the full picture of the Pardalote that we can appreciate the full beauty of this bird. So it is with our life, if we choose to only look at life from a negative perspective, we may never appreciate or even permit the beauty and maturity, that is being constructed in our life to take place. Our lives are likened to a tapestry  being woven by God, which is yet unfinished and in the process of being woven. So often in our life experience we wonder why we can only see loose threads and a messy picture of our life. If we believe and live knowing that God loves us and his purpose is to bless and grow us into the best we can be, we can overcome the deception that we are failures, our life does not matter and we are doing it all alone.

Even our failures are used by God, if we let him, to make and form our character. As a wise man once said: You cannot learn and grow if you think you are are perfect. Thomas Edison had over 100 failed attempts at perfecting the incandescent light bulb, which improved the life of mankind. His optimistic (which means to see beyond) reply was: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He further iterated that the only failure is to give up. He also stated that none of his inventions were discovered by accident, they came by work. Our lives are our most valuable investment, and what we do with them and feed them has eternal ramifications. We all need a positive vision of our life, to see beyond.

This is what we know as hope, which God says when our life is being guided by him:  “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient.  And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  – Romans 5:-3-5 (Living Bible).

God reveals in the Bible what he is really doing, and allows us a glimpse of the picture he is creating in our lives on the other side of the tapestry. This is to encourage us that it is all worthwhile, and has an ultimate purpose, to make us more like him in our character and life, to love and live in the way we were intended to from the beginning of time. The Bible reveals to us this reality, that we are loved and cherished by God, and that he is actively at work in each of our lives to bring us to a better place, and by faith we can know his love, forgiveness and restorative power, because of what Jesus has already done for us. We only need to believe and receive thankfully. When we accept his rule in our life we receive his gift of his Holy Spirit who brings us into relationship with him transforming our lives through his love, joy and peace. Why not obtain a copy of the New Testament in modern English and read for yourself about Jesus and the life he offers.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

An Invitation to a Rich and Satisfying Life

Jesus said: “My purpose is to give them [you] a rich and satisfying life..” – John 10:10 (NLT)

If you have never read the Bible, in particular the words and works of Jesus, why not give it a go, as I did, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Locate an easy reading version such as The Good News Translation (GNT) or The New International Version (NIV) from a local bookshop or Christian Bookstore. Otherwise click on this link and use the free online Bible and start by reading the Book of Luke and later John. You only need to read a chapter a day, and find out for yourself. Ask Jesus in a simple prayer to reveal himself and his truth to you. He promises to do so to those who humbly and truly seek him.

God says: ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ – ( quoted from Jeremiah 29:13)

If you would like to know more please read on…

otherwise

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Jesus Christ: Good News to All Who Want the Best Possible Life.

‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ – Romans 3:23

‘So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all people because all sinned.’ – Romans 5:12

 ‘For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ – Romans 6:23

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. – John 3:16-18

‘And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.’ – Ephesians 2:1-11

Visit a church or search online for podcasts and Bible teaching material, ask God by simply praying, He hears you all the time. Ask him to reveal himself to you as you seek him out. A simple prayer might be: ” Lord Jesus please reveal more of yourself to me so I may understand more about you and come to know you as my Lord and Saviour.”

If you have read this far, and you would like to commit to putting your trust in Jesus, and turn away from your old selfish life and receive the peace and forgiveness Jesus freely offers. Pray a simple prayer of confession, that you are a sinner who needs saving, and that you believe Jesus died to pay the price for all your sins so that you are forgiven. That Jesus was raised to life by God the Father so that we might enjoy his eternal life and be filled and guided by his Holy Spirit which he gives to all who believe and receive him into their life. You now know and believe that Jesus Christ is the true Lord and Saviour of your life. God your Heavenly Father welcomes you into his Kingdom Family, and gives his Holy Spirit as your ever abiding teacher and comforter and friend within, imparting Jesus’ joy, peace and love into your heart. If you have put your trust in Jesus you have been born again of his Spirit and will not come under his judgement but through Jesus’ death and resurrection have passed from death to life in Him.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” – Romans 8:1,2

Attend a church near you and share with the Pastor and other Christians about the commitment of faith in Jesus you have made, and how you want to grow in knowledge and understanding of God. I found that a Baptist Church was good choice. This is my hope and prayer for you…

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Adv. Dip. in Counselling and Family Therapy.

Member of Birdlife Australia

To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

And learn from them how to live a healthy and happy life.

NOTE: All photos, videos and music used on this website are photographed, composed, performed  by the site owner and remains his copyrighted property, unless otherwise stated. The use of any material that is not original material of the site owner is duly acknowledged as such. © W. A. Hewson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.