Soar in what ever you do, just like Mordecai

A baby Blue Jay named Mordecai was sitting in his home… a small branch, lower down a big tree. Every now and then he looks up and see’s bigger birds sitting on bigger, stronger branches. Not only that, these big birds were doing some crazy flying manoeuvres and catching some seriously chunky European Crane Flies for food.

Looking down was a bit scary for him. He had just enough food come by him every day. So Mordecai was comfortable and content and never thought of moving up with bigger birds on to stronger branches.

As time went by Mordecai was getting heavier and his branch was starting to bend too much, that he always had to box him self in the stronger corner. Worryingly the food supply wasn’t getting bigger either. But all the books Mordecai read taught that he had to be content with what he had. So in spite  of an uneasy feeling, felt a debt of gratitude for everything he had. Although he knew one day he will have to fly, he thought it was a long way away and never prepared for it.

One day he was woken by some heavy noise. He felt lots of things moving fast. It didn’t take too long to figure out what was happening. His home.. his small branch …snapped and he was still clinging on to it, on his way to hit the ground to certain death.

An overwhelming feeling engulfed Mordecai. As if by instinct his wings opened. The wind underneath his wings helped him glide and soar… like the big birds he saw everyday. Instantly he realised this is what he was born to do. Even at this early stage his confidence was growing very fast and even tried some flying tricks himself.

A big dragonfly caught his attention. This dragonfly was hovering near the top of the tree, where Mordecai has never been before. With his new found confidence, he took a leap of faith and went for his big lunch. With a big dragonfly between his beak, Mordecai landed on one of the big branches next to one of the big birds he always admired.

“Wasn’t it cool” said the big bird. Mordecai felt a bit silly when he said “I can’t believe I didn’t do this before”.

The big bird said, even if we come down and tell you how great all this is – to be able to fly and reach the higher, stronger branch – not many will listen. Sadly not all will reach this height. Few will do this by choice and few like you, will be forced by circumstances.

A confused Mordecai asked “what about all the books I read? Are they wrong to say you should be content with what you have?”.

The big bird smiled and said “No, they are not wrong. Choosing to be content and wanting to grow are not mutually exclusive”. “Be happy with what you have but also stretch beyond your self imposed limits to reach new heights”.

Immersed in this new wisdom Mordecai looked down to see how many small branches were left. He could see young birds clinging on to small branches and looked content with what they have. Not wanting to waste any more time Mordecai decided to try some new flying manoeuvres and amaze and stretch himself. And hoped that by the clarity of his example more of the small birds would join him soon….