Peanuts and Prejudice on the Mountain

Outside my window I hear a cacophony today. The squirrels and Stellar's Jays are fussing at one another. You see, we've created a ruckus -- we've put out peanuts.

Squirrels and Stellar's Jays are fond of peanuts. Bears are too, which is why we are breaking the rules of forest life by placing them on our deck rails.  We are watching though.  Taking periodic glances out the windows -- making certain that the forest creatures attracted by our peanuts are of the winged and bushy tailed varieties only. No traces will be left behind. Let's not let forest dweller scrupulosity rob the little creatures of their treats.  Don't you agree?

By Julietfiss (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Peter Trimming [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Oh yes -- the ruckus:

Peanuts are a delicacy, and both birds and squirrels think they are the only ones who know it. The Jays are belting out their raspy screeches in symphonic sound. The squirrels are returning their characteristic piercing chirps. Each feels ownership, you see.

Generally, the squirrels and Jays tolerate one another, and play at an image of coexistence.  They are both forest dwellers, of course. They both love the trees and feel at home amongst their branches -- so one must maintain some image of forbearance.  It's only proper.  But when the peanuts come out, all bets are off.

I wonder if they see it?  That they are both peanut lovers? That they both feel the majesty of the tall Jeffrey Pines that are their common home? That each is overcome with reverence when she gazes down from a 200 foot evergreen perch? That each is a creation of God?  That God speaks to each as she regards the forest's beauty and silence?

Now, the differences between them are not to be minimized.  A squirrel is a squirrel and a Jay is a Jay. Surely. But I wonder?  What if they capitalized on those differences to dialogue? What if they shared a branch instead of hopping higher or lower to keep distance when the proximity grew too great? What if they discussed the glories of peanuts and pines? Perhaps the Jays would learn something spectacular about the forsight of the squirreling away of said delicacies.  Perhaps they would have a peanut epiphany?  What if the squirrels learned from the Jays that a good tapping of the merchandise on the deck rail reveals those peanuts that are a bit too light to be worth the work expended to carry them to a branch for the devouring?

Perhaps?

They would still be squirrels and jays, of course.  Different. Separate.  Unique in their sameness.  Special. With a characteristic culture and history and methodology -- Yet, precious creations of God with a heightened awareness of his gifts and of the tools to live with greater gratitude in his grace.  Children of God, all.  And so terribly much in love with Him.

Yes?

Helsinki Orthodox Cathedral
By Zairon (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Cathedral of St. Michael and St Gudula, Roman Catholic, Belguim
By Pbrundel (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Saint Pierre de Jeunne, Protestant Parish of Strausbourg
By dierk schaefer (Baptisterium) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

St. James Cathedral, Anglican Church of Canada
By paul (dex) from Toronto (St James Cathedral  Uploaded by Skeezix1000) 
[CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


~~~~~~

Third Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, the epistle:
 1 Corinthians 1:10-18:

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Pax Christi dear ones,

Live in Peace? Shall we?...We've so much to share.

~Michelle