by Fr. Herb Weber

The birds were loud and effusive in welcoming me as I stepped out to pick up the morning paper. My day, already good, became joy-filled with their voices echoing in my ears.

 And I was thankful for their sound. You see, each time I hear such birds I recall my dad’s words from some forty years ago. Not long after I was ordained, Dad and I went fishing on the banks of the Auglaize River. Dad’s ability to hear was almost totally gone, but I knew that fishing side by side was something we could still do together. Conversation was not necessary.

A flock of birds flew into the trees across the river and then filled the forest with their chattering. I got Dad’s attention and pointed out what was happening. He looked at the trees and then at me and said, “I used to like to listen to birds, too.” It was frustrating for me that I could not share with him what I was enjoying. Rather than feel sorry for Dad, however, I decided not to take the sounds of these birds for granted. I would be grateful each time I would hear such sounds.

So the neighborhood birds may sing as loudly as they wish…and I promise I will never complain.

“All you birds of the air, bless the Lord

praise and exalt him above all forever.”

Daniel 3:80