Sparrows are seen as common place birds, birds of the dusty street or the old fashioned gutter. Insignificant birds in drab shades of brown. Their call is a repetitive banter rather than a melodious song. Whilst still numerous their overall population is worryingly in decline.
Look more closely. The delicate shades of taupe and bronze, flashes of russet. A beady eye and playful nature. Thronging together they are lovers of communal living.
The world around us is full of curious, beautiful and amazing things. As small children our curiosity and our amazement knew no bounds. Every day would produce novelties- things to see, things to chew or eat, things to grab and hold, things to poke and explore.
As we have grow older we have often lost that sense of wonder. Things that were new have become mundane. In the rush to be busy, small things flop below the radar. Decorum dictates that we shouldn’t prod or lick things and, unless we’re wine tasters, swirling stuff around our mouth and spitting are frowned upon. Stopping suddenly just to look is discouraged – it interrupts the flow of traffic. Daily routines take over.
And our love for the world wains and falters.
The season of creation-tide runs from 1st September till 4th October, the Feast of St Francis. Let’s fall in love again with creation.
