Standing on the balcony, I stood in silence.  Listening to the natural noises, as opposed to the noises of man.

From the trees flew a Blue Jay.  His intent was the railing of the balcony; his perch to search for food on the ground below.

I didn’t move as I watched his intent.  His target was 15 feet from my body.  But having stood still, he didn’t perceive me.

He came within inches of setting his feet on his intent.  But just as he neared landing, he perceived a man standing there.

With a tiny squeak, he turned as though he had bounced off the railing, and bolted back to the trees.  Safety is his primary concern, eating is his second.

“Look at him with understanding.”  So my soul whispers to my heart.  See how quick he is to turn from his desire at the slightest provocation against his safety.

Does man do these things?  Doesn’t man head into his desire without consideration for safety?  Look how we run headlong into destruction without the slightest perception of danger.

Where we go matters.  What we choose to do matters.  Who we desire to become matters.  Freely God gives wisdom.  Who, among men, is willing to take his warnings and freedom?

22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”  (Luke 13)