Issue 1,003 Dee-dee-dee March 10, 2023

Recently we took the time to rehike one of the many trails at Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley. We immensely enjoy the Little River Loop, which runs from the north parking lot, circles through the wetlands of the river valley and returns.
The Loop is home to many species of birds, and we are always treated to showings and the sound of songbird serenades. We saw numerous species up close, including a family of beautiful Stellar’s jays (also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay).

As much as I enjoyed the beauty of the jays, I enjoyed the company of some chestnut-backed chickadees more. Chestnut-backed chickadees are smaller than their more familiar cousins, black-capped chickadees, and have some reddish-brown colouring.
Chickadees are usually curious and pretty tame. This one stayed with us as we tromped around the river loop, giving us our private serenade.
There is something about the song of a chickadee that always sounds to me like an encouragement. Even when they are upset, that dee-dee-dee is still a pleasant sound. Contrast that to the sound of a Stellar’s jay. Even the sound of a happy crow grates on the ears. Their tone seems harsh and nagging.
What a lesson we can learn from the birds about the tone of our voice. A word of criticism in a gentle manner is sometimes more pleasant than a word of encouragement given in a shrill nagging tone. Now, I know that none of us has total control of the overall voice that God has given us. Yet, we can be responsible for our tone when speaking.
We all know people whose hurts and bitterness come through in their tone, even when trying to be positive. All of us have been guilty of it. Perhaps it is time for a tone check. Is our tone angry or nagging even when we are not angry or nagging? The words “I love you” do not carry much weight if they sound like they are spat with venom.
We know the Scripture calls us to watch our words.
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. James 3:7-12
Control of the tongue means more than just changing our words. It also means that we watch our tones as well.
Until next time, may you be more of an encouraging chickadee than a squawking jay. May the sound of your voice be a blessing to others.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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