That elusive hummer

I’m smiling as I write this watching a hummingbird perched on one of the feeders taking his sweet fill.  They fascinate me, and since I’m not an Audubon, I’m dependent on the research and experience of others how to attract these little guys.

Originally, I had spent a few dollars on the store-bought red stuff to put in the feeders.  That can rack up some funds over time—do you know how much these hummers eat?!

I came across some information (ain’t Google great…sometimes?) about a DYI hummingbird potion with just sugar and water, and—get this—NO red food coloring.  Which debunks the myth that you have to use red to get their attention.  I guess what draws them is the sweet nutrition more than the color. 

Smart birds.

So my homemade nectar is getting lighter and lighter as the old is used up and replaced with my own.  I was concerned maybe it wasn’t going to work, but voila! 

Watching them this morning, I became very aware of how God waits and watches us in much the same way. 

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

In other words, He’s not just hanging out hoping we’ll stop by; He’s actually knocking—persistently. 

And what He provides is exactly what I need, no artificial coloring, but Truth.

Come to think of it, I’m concerned with the church’s ability and tendency to add some color to that Truth in an attempt to make it more attractive, more marketable, more “inclusive” and “tolerant”.

In so doing we miss the fact that Christianity is, in fact, an exclusive club where everyone is invited!  But we join on His terms, we embrace His initiation ceremony, we walk in His steps.

Until then, He’ll continue knocking.  And waiting, hoping that I’ll…

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
    Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”

Revelation 3:20; Psalm 34:8 Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.