Hummingbird Ethics
eternal vigilance
Back in May we noticed that a hummingbird visited our front garden several times each day. In order to make it welcome we put out a feeder. And it hopes of attracting more hummingbirds, we added additional feeders to the yard. What we did not realize was that the one bird would consider himself lord and master of the entire yard and would spend all his time guarding all the feeders. Naive as we are, we thought that the abundance of food might make him a bit more tolerant of other birds. We were wrong. Later, he did mate, and albeit grudgingly, permits her to feed as well.
Lately, another pair of hummingbirds have been showing up — no doubt because it is nearly time for their annual migration south and they are bulking up for the journey. But because of the aggressively territorial nature of the first set of birds, I doubt that any of them are benefiting from the calories they snatch between bouts of aerial warfare. More than enough food for dozens of hummingbirds with four birds fighting over it all!
Which perturbs me no end as it reminds me of how similar we human creatures are. There is more than enough food on this planet to feed us all. There is more than enough intelligence, resources and technology to end poverty. Literacy and education are no longer optional, they are necessary to the success in life. But what do we do? We continue to embrace the false and self-destructive notion that there is not enough to go around. We hoard, and in doing so, create even more fear and conflict. We squander our own energy in trying to prevent others from accessing what they require in order to become part of a productive whole.
If we don’t wake up soon, this “zero-sum game” mentality will be the death of us. And if the human race were to have a collective obituary, it might read, “cause of death: stupidity.”
Here’s a thought for the day: Even if for no reason other than enlightened self-interest, let’s all share something. Just give it a try.
Dayenu,
Glyn
All Good Gifts 
Hi Glyn
We have had a good year in the garden at St. Francis and so far have taken 289 pounds of produce form the garden. The church school is going to harvest turnips this Sunday and bring into the church as offering.
Life for Tom and I has been busy. Tom is spending a good 25 hours a week as member of the HOA board and head of Recreation Committee. I have been working outside and enjoying being out. A project that I finally have underway is a quilt for Poppy in Montana. I plan to have done by Thanksgiving. Finished one for Jackson in May. Last grandchild quilt for a while. I think of you often and hope you are settling into your new life.
Mahala
Mahala J Renkey
45 Tulip Drive
Malvern PA 19355
Home: 610 455-0655 Preferred
Cell: 610 505-6526
Email: mahalarenkey@hotmail.com
LikeLike
Glyn, I have benefited so much from your creative, well-written messages. I so enjoyed this latest one re the hummingbirds and the sharing of ourselves and our blessings with others. Sue Lenkaitis is my daughter-in-law and she was kind enough to tell me all about you and your inspirational writings. I’m so glad I signed up!
Peggy Lenkaitis
LikeLike
Thanks, Peggy! It’s good to meet you.
LikeLike
Well said, Glyn. Thanks for your blog. I love it.
Shalom,
Glenna
LikeLike