What Bravery Is Not

I observe it numerous times throughout the day from my kitchen window. Sparrows clumped in a group, pecking feverishly at fallen seed on the ground, suddenly "start" when one reacts to some random sight or sound, and off they all fly without knowing whence it came or why.

There's something quite educational about observing birds... even my little backyard flock.

We have a large deck at the rear of the house, and on the top rail of the northernmost side I keep three shallow bowls filled with water. The intent was to provide a place for the birds to drink in safety, though I must admit they rather often prefer bathing in them.

I've been putting out clean water twice daily for years. My feathered friends took their sweet time discovering this watering hole, but now they know it's here, they delight in sipping and splashing to their tiny hearts' content... that is until Tom and I happen to be sitting on the swing out there!

It's almost comical to watch them swoop down within inches of cool refreshment only to veer frantically sideways once they happen to spot us. It's almost as if you can read their minds, "Abort! ABORT!!!"

Yet...

Yet, there's always a few who will brave it. They are cautious upon approach, but will move tentatively to the rim, and while taking short sips, will keep an eye on the two of us.

Bravery is its own reward.

I think of that saying that describes bravery not as the absence of fear, but rather, being fearful, and still acting in the face of it.

Aren't we all a bit like the birds when it comes to bravery?

So many things in life require courage, facing fears... even the best things. First day of school. Making new friends. Moving to a new town. Getting a driver's license. Trying out for the team. Going on a first date. Graduating. Going off to college. Getting engaged and married. Having a baby.

All good things. All exciting things, yet still perhaps carrying their own kind of reservation and uncertainty of a thing not yet known.

Then there are the things in life we wish we could forego. They also require courage... lots of courage. Job loss. Failed marriage. Wayward child. Financial hardship. Starting over. Alienation. Lonliness. Dreaded diagnosis. Death of a loved one.

All hard things. All frightening things, yet they too demand our attention... our participation.

These things are part of life. Enthralling opportunities. Excruciating challenges. They all require bravery. Shrinking back or hiding away.will only breed more fear. The only way we grow is by turning our face to the fray and meeting our fears head on.

Fortunately for us, when we are believers, we know that the Lord is our help. He is our strength. We never face the fray alone. We read in Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." His strength, His help, is the armor that equips us to face even the most formidable foe... whoever or whatever it is.

Now, getting back to those birds...

Watching them today got me thinking about my two oldest grandsons. I'm very proud of them, as I am of all my grandchildren, but these two in particular are facing things currently that might be fearful for some. The oldest is soon to be confirming his faith, making his profession as a Jesus-follower in front of his congregation. Speaking in front of a crowd can be a scary thing. The second oldest just made the swim team and had his very first time trial last Saturday. Competition can also be a scary thing.

I'm always on the frontlines in prayer for them, but it makes my Big Mama heart overjoyed that they are taking on these challenges themselves. These may seem small hurdles to some, but for them to know and believe without a doubt that their heavenly Father will be with them wherever they go, whatever they must do, will be the stepping stone to facing whatever fears they might encounter later in life.

Bravery is its own reward.

As fear breeds fear, so courage breeds courage. We must face our fears if we wish to attain the prize, be it a job interview, a heart-felt proposal, a time trial, or a public profession. Courage to face the fear is its own reward, even if it is simply braving the landing to take a tiny sip...

of water.