A fable tells about two birds, each in a cage with food and water. One bird rebelled against his conditions, rejected the food and kept knocking his head against the cage door. A few hours later, he died of his injuries. The other bird said, “Nothing’s worth dying that way. Let me enjoy the food and water and be grateful for the little space in which I can fly.” At the end of the day, the master came to free both birds. But only one was ready and able to enjoy freedom while the other lost it once and forever.

Our life may get trapped in a cage. Closed doors might be health problems, job problems, financial limitations, feeling of rejection and insecurity, marriage problems, inability to meet your life partner, etc. If we focus on the closed door, we will eventually act like the poor bird. But if we enjoy our life the way it is granted, we will eventually be freed. In such situations, “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentation 3:26)

Jesus promised, “and the gates of Hades shall not be victorious against [you]” (Matthew 16:18) Can, then, the tiny worldly cages be of any obstacle? Never… They do vanish once we put our hope in our Heavenly Father and only Him.

Contributed by Maria Hanna jagapem@hotmail.com