The last few days have been filled with happy bird sounds.  There are many of them.  It is Spring and warm.  And I don't need to tell you about the birds and the bees, but it is happening with a zeal around our Preston home.  Among these sounds of enthusiasm is one of the more persistent sounds.  The drumming of a woodpecker on a snag not far from our back door.  Everyday, very fast tok tok tok tok tok tok tok.  And it is loud.  This bird is not large, but he is acting like he is large.  I am actually enjoying his drumming.  He is full of life. 

He is either looking for bugs or trying to make a hole for nesting.  If he is looking for bugs, he must have scared every one out by now.  This has been going on for days.  In fact, I have had a lot of time to consider his activity in light of life in general, especially in leadership and ministry efforts, but also applying to any endeavor that we may give ourselves to.  Here are some of my meditations and thoughts.

1. Not everything is easy or happens quickly, somethings take time and a lot of hard work.
2. We need to be careful we don't shy away from things just because they are hard.
3. It may seem like we are getting nowhere, just making noise, but that is not a reason to stop.
4. We need to be sure we are going after the right thing, no sense in banging our heads for nothing.
5. Persistence, faithfulness, discipline, diligence are needed components in achieving the goal.
6. We need to know we were designed to do what we are called to do.
7. Passion will promote our determination to fulfill our calling.
8. We may be small, but we are not insignificant.

There he goes again.  Yes, as I am writing this he is hammering away at his snag.  He must not be done yet.