Kindness Matters

Northern Harrier

Creator's spirit-messengers will celebrate when even one outcast finds the way back home. ~ Luke 15:1-10

Most of the group looked at the steady climb of the trail ahead and decided that what lay ahead was not likely to be any more productive than the birding so far, so they decided that they had had enough for the day. But I was interested in exploring this area I hadn’t birded before and there was one other person willing to make the trek with me. So onward we went. Truth be told, the birds did continue to be sparse and the trail was clearly designed more for bikers to do tricks than hikers to enjoy the surroundings. Still, we got to see some potentially productive habitat at the top of the hill next to the airport. The map showed a wetland, even open water. As we were realizing that the area had dried up, I noticed something moving in the grass.

My initial guess was skunk, based on the size and the flash of white. To our surprise, it was a male Northern Harrier, and it was holding his ground on the ground as we approached. We stopped where we were, closer than most birds would allow. With his wings spread out and touching the ground, I guessed that he was protecting his prey, a behavior known as mantling. Closer inspection showed that he was using his wings and tail for crawling on the ground. We had a very ill bird in front of us. We needed something to wrap him in, so as Dana carefully draped his sweatshirt over him and gently picked him up, I called Avian Haven for advise on caring for him as we brought him there for rehab.

Assured that we were doing the right thing, we headed down the trail then drove the half hour to get him care. Weak and emaciated, he still had bright eyes that were intent in their gaze. We were quick to hand him off, having done our part all we had left were hopes and prayers. Sadly, all the effort was not enough to save him, he died within hours. But the effort was not in vain. It was a blessing to see humans caring for a more-than-human sibling purely out of kindness. The only return on this investment was beauty and awe, surely sufficient payment.

The way Jesus spoke about the kindom of heaven included celebrations whenever love wins, especially when the winners are the least, the last, and the lost. Today, like in Jesus’ day, injustice seems to be winning the struggle, making it all the more essential that we celebrate little victories. Although, if it is significant enough for angels to throw a party, maybe the real truth is that no victory is little

Prayer: God who knows even the sparrow that falls, keep reminding us how every little kindness matters. Amen.