Real Life, Eternal Life

John 12:25 says, "Anyone who holds onto life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."

Life is a fragile thing, reminding me of a small bird that hit our window. Holding it in the palm of my hand, I felt its soft warmth. It was probably stunned and so my holding it was unique. No one was at home for me to share it so I couldn't say, "Look what I have been given. Isn't it precious? and pure?" I almost wanted to put it in a cage with a little swing in order to keep it.

Then, the bird in my palm began to wiggle a bit. Its tiny wings stretched out wide. It hopped, tickling my hand. It seemed to be listening. Did it hear a call? It chirped, perhaps in answer. Again it stretched and flapped its wings just a bit. Does it want to fly away?

I knew I was being tested. Did I want it to fly to live its life or..........My fingers wanted to close in on the small thing, hold it tight, keep it for myself. But I lifted my hand, raised it up and stretched it out to the sky. The tiny life fluttered its wings and....flew.

I hold my life too close sometimes, too, to protect myself, to keep myself from harm. But, I hope I remember that little bird and say, "Let it go, let it be free to fly, to encounter life among new places and to pass love along to others." That is real life, eternally. Signed by jo