Jan. 20, 2014 - Today's Gift from Hazelden

Monday, Jan. 20, 2014
Today's thought from Hazelden is:

A bird came down the walk: He did not know I saw; He bit an angle-worm in halves and ate the fellow, raw.
 -- Emily Dickinson


We must look very different to the birds than we do to each other. Likewise, birds seem different to us than they do to each other. Neither the way we see birds nor the way they see us is the "right" way. They are simply different ways of seeing.

If we could turn birds into people so they would see things the way we do, eat the way we do, and think the way we do, we would lose the idea of flying. The knowledge that flight is possible is a gift birds have given us.

We do well to remember this when we get upset at others for not doing things the way we would. Varieties of styles, appetites, and ideas are gifts that enrich the world and bring more possibilities into our lives.

When others disagree with me today, will I accept their gift?
From the book:
Today's Gift © 1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation

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