Ruffled Feathers

We had gone to visit the swans many a time in the boat but this past weekend we experienced a very different adventure.  William and Catherine were in the front with Aunt Molly and Jennifer and her friend were in the back, and I was the driver.  We spotted the two swans and slowly approached one of them hoping to either see him up close or skip along the water in flight.  We usually have food but this time we came unprepared. The swan turned and swam towards the bank of the lake and so we too turned and headed towards the other swan that was just a few feet ahead.  We wanted an up close and personal look but as we got closer this swan, in a totally aggressive approach headed full speed towards us, flying low, flapping his wings, while his feet dangled upon the water. It all happened so very fast, but before we knew it, the swan was upon us, airborne, flying low over the driver’s side of the boat,  his wing clipping Catherine’s cheek first, then Williams.  He then made a quick turn as he passed over the boat to come back and bite at the back landing of the boat as if to say, move out!   

No one was hurt but I can guarantee everyone was surprised that such a beautiful bird who appeared to be contented in his casual coasting, boldly had the courage to take on a boat. This was one aggressive bird, and we obviously had ruffled his feathers in a big way.  No one was hurt, just startled for sure, everyone kind of giggling in that nervous sort of way.  We looked back at the swan and he was back in his coasting mode, probably very content that he had ruffled our feathers. It took a minute to absorb what had just happened: the kids were ecstatic by the adventure of being touched by the swan, the adults were trying to figure out what it was that had teed him off. Was he in protection mode of the other swan or were we a threat to his bounds of safety? Whatever it was he was not going to be intimidated by size or people.  He was going to hold his own in spite of the odds surrounding him.  

We too, often act out and respond when we are in protection mode and one of our own is in danger or we feel that our own security or comfort zone has been compromised. Ruffled feathers are many times a physical reaction to fear or excitement and bring about words of anger, acts of impulse, and reactions that ordinarily can be contained and controlled.  In my younger years I did have a temper that many say was a reflection of my red hair (merely an excuse),  and my feathers would often be ruffled by the smallest of incidents, mainly ones that did not square up with my opinions or my plans.  Today, years later, God has helped me to curve my temperament by depending not so much on my agenda but relying on His when things do not turn out as I expect or hope for.  Instead of boldly flying head on into a confrontation when I am scared or unsettled about a situation that surrounds me, I am learning still everyday to look up  and hold tight and in confidence not to my own my wisdom or strength but to God and his. There are always going to be people who get under our skin and threaten our values, our opinions, our traditions and our strengths but if we hold fast to our faith, God will help us to yield our fears and frustrations unto his authority thus protecting us from the aggressive approaches of who we have determined to be our enemies.

I suspect that swan has been under attack before and has learned by nature to not fly from but fly toward opposing forces that are acting as a potential threat. He didn’t hurt anyone but he did make known that he was not going to paddle along and be intimidated by possible contention. God has given us that same bold initiative to fly towards adversity by a driven inner strength that comes  by standing on faith in his ways, trusting in his authority, and remaining confident in his ways.  God has given us the power internally to hold our ground and not be afraid of the enemy who attempts to threaten us.  If we wait to act and respond based on God’s nudge and not in our own defense mode, we are much more able to let the attacks roll off of our ruffled feathers.  If we can hold back and learn to restrain our words, impulsive acts, self generated judgements of others, or the juggling of our control in areas that are insignificant, and let God do the guiding, we are bound to be freed from the constant harassing of adversity that has the potential to ruffle feathers. 

Fear is a great obstacle to overcome.  But to overcome fear we have to have a true sense of security of not only who we are in Christ, but more especially who God our father is and what he is able to do and will do for our best and His glory. Beware of ruffled feathers, for they sometimes bring about actions and responses that are better left contained.  Let God be the soothing balm to calm all fears and settle down the anxiety that world and our society so often times induces. Be willing to fly forward in faith when you are nudged  

by God to move but until then wait in faithful confidence that He is working within you to give you the needed faith, strength and courage to boldly face the challenges that are ahead.

Psalm 56 

Be merciful to me, my God,  for my enemies are in hot pursuit;all day long they press their attack.

 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Dear Lord, I do have a new respect for the strength and bold aggression of the swans.  Maybe if we would have come with food, we would have been identified as friend and not foe and the need to attack would have subsided.  Maybe too that that might be a lesson for me as well.  Wherever I go, help me to be prepared with the bread of life, so that either the attack might be subsided or my feathers would be oiled enough by your word and my faith to let it slide off my back.  Amen       

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!