Faith Feeding
Sometimes I wonder if we try too hard in our search for happiness. We have moments of recognition, and for the rest of the time happiness is just out there, waiting for an opportunity to make itself known. However, life circumstances can be very challenging. It can take considerable faith and courage to brush all the negatives aside and let happiness in.
During the past few months, I have been reaping the investment in good quality (expensive!) RSPB mealworms, fat balls and half coconuts. Greedy, over-confident pigeons now tap on the window if we are late providing breakfast. Discreet blue-tits, humble sociable sparrows, bright noisy attention-seeking robins, blackbirds that hop happily along the ground oblivious to danger, and starlings which behave like rowdy football supporters are company.
Although the star of the show so far has been our visiting woodpecker, sparrows are still my favourite birds. When we have time and the opportunity to think about such matters, perhaps everyone can find a bird (feathered variety!) to relate to.
Diversity and the habit of returning is a welcome characteristic among Reading Interfaith Group supporters. Although lately I have been unable to provide the human equivalent of fat balls or mealworms, they have been wonderful at staying in touch. Alan has been doing an excellent job keeping our events ticking over. It’s not an easy job, especially at short notice, and I’m so grateful for the support.
With both birds and humans, our first requirement will always be for safety. I am very proud of the importance our group puts on trust, sure in the knowledge that no individual or faith group will come near us if they have reason to believe we are untrustworthy in some way.
The second requirement of birds and humans is to feel valued. For birds, I show my appreciation by providing food. With humans, I try to appreciate different perspectives, be tolerant and refrain from judging. This can take self-discipline, especially when the situation seems obvious and there is security in numbers. However, although judging can give you a sense of superiority, it would be the equivalent of only allowing one type of bird to the bird table. Instead of rich diversity, you’d end up with a garden full of pigeons!
Over time Reading Interfaith Group has evolved to become fully inclusive of the community we serve. We celebrate diversity, the many opportunities to engage with different faith traditions with those many honest pilgrims of no fixed abode.
The third requirement for birds and humans is to be inspired, Birds and Reading Interfaith Group supporters have to gain something worthwhile from visiting. Our food is faith. This is not the same thing as knowing all the answers, a short cut to becoming popular, or that we will achieve our objectives, This is just faith that we believe in the worth of each other, and the value of our many different faith traditions. For this poor, troubled, fearful and often prejudiced world, feeding faith just seems like the right thing to do.
Sarah Griffin