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“All of It Matters”
Several weeks ago, while fishing in Sarasota Bay, I approached a small island crowded with pelicans. The large birds seemed to occupy every available branch in the trees. I have encountered this scene many times before, including at this particular island. But this time was different.
Typically, the birds ignore me. I fish from a pedal kayak, which is only thirteen feet long and powered by a propeller beneath the boat. The propeller is driven by my legs, much like a bicycle. This allows me to reach places that larger boats cannot access, and it is very quiet. Rarely do I disturb the birds, manatees, and dolphins that are common companions on the bay.
As I rounded the tip of the island, a couple of pelicans took flight. That was nothing unusual. But then I heard more commotion in the trees behind me. Thinking another boat had approached, I turned around. What I saw caught my attention immediately.
One of the pelicans was dangling from a branch. A fishing hook had become embedded above its right shoulder, and the attached fishing line had tangled in the tree.
The bird was very much alive and struggling. Though I had encountered injured wildlife before, this situation felt different. The pelican was strong, frightened, and fighting to free itself.
I turned the kayak around and carefully approached the shoreline. The bird was about eight feet off the ground, but by standing in the kayak, I thought I could reach it.
The pelican was not happy to see me. After several attempts to avoid his rather impressive beak, I was finally able to safely secure the bird and remove the hook. The wound was not severe, though the hook was quite large. Once freed, I placed him carefully on the water and watched him swim away.
I do not know if he survived. I hope he did.
As I watched him disappear into the distance, I found myself wondering if I had done the right thing. Deep down, I knew I had. Left in that tree, the bird would not have survived very long. Calling for professional help would have taken too much time.
Small acts can make a difference. It was someone else's fishing line. Someone else may have caused the problem. Someone else might eventually have come along to help.
But in that moment, it was not someone else's responsibility. It was mine.
What moment will you encounter this week? Where can you help? For whom could you make a difference?
Most opportunities to serve do not arrive with fanfare. They appear quietly, unexpectedly, and often inconveniently. Yet those are often the moments when God is inviting us to be the hands and feet of Christ.
All of it matters. This week, do not look away. Instead, be the light of God, shining brightly for all creation.
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, NRSV)
See you this week at the Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
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