Share the Vibrance of Your Gifts

It was only a few short months ago that I was sitting in my living room, gazing out the front window at the trees near my house, awestruck by the beauty of a brilliant red cardinal sitting perfectly perched against the colorless backdrop of winter.  It's vibrance was so entrancing that it held my attention for as many minutes as it sat on the branch.  Captivated by the radiant creature's existence on such a dreary day, I watched as it finally took flight against the gray sky, getting up out of my chair to visually follow its path as far as I was able.  It almost appeared to create a flaming trail across the sky like a meteor through a midnight canvas.  Then the bird disappeared from my sight and the atmosphere seemed dull and lifeless as a common winter day once again.

The time has gone by and the same backdrop has drastically changed.  With the springtime warmth, the life around our home has begun to flourish once again fulfilling a rainbow of God's creations.  The grass has greened, the gray of the sky has begun to lessen, and the same pale oak tree the cardinal sat perched upon months ago is budding new life.  From the chair of my living room, I watch its red buds increase each day.

Recently, I caught faint movement atop one of the tree branches.  Upon closer study, I realized it was a cardinal; a vibrant, red cardinal.  Had I been preoccupied with anything of slight significance, I probably would have never even noticed it sitting there in the same manner it had months ago.  It's vivid red complexion no longer captivating...no longer rich against the milieu.

I could not help but wonder when the cardinal felt most at home, most comfortable, whether it was nestled within the equally bright red buds or brilliantly standing out from it's surroundings.  If I were that cardinal, I would love the shelter of the camouflage.  I would crave the protection and the privacy it offered.  Yet, when watching the cardinal veiled by its surroundings, I received a fraction of the pleasure of watching its beauty radiate above all other things.

Perhaps, I should take a lesson from this now partially concealed bird.  If I continue to remain hidden, comfortably and safely, perhaps I would be robbing someone else in the world of the gifts I have to offer, even though I may not be aware of them myself.  Perhaps I need to emerge from the natural veil I have created for myself and enter into a new atmosphere that God has put before me and I have chosen not to seek.  Perhaps one's own beauty can only fully be recognized if one chooses to stand bravely against a slightly less vibrant, less secure atmosphere and shed the fears they may have of being vulnerable and open.  Perhaps that is the only way we can bring full pleasure to those around us.  What could be greater than sharing our beauty to enrich the life of another even if it means sacrificing the complacency we have created for ourselves?