"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
Chinese Proverb
I am sitting outside as I write this column. It is a beautiful day, although a little breezy. The birds are chirping.Usually, about this time of the year, they start preparing to build a nest under the patio deck. Soon they will be flying back and forth to feed their young.
In front of me are pine trees separating one house from another, and in the distance, trees soon to be full of life, evidence that spring is almost here. The landscaping crew is also pruning the crepe myrtles in the neighborhood.
Recently, a little bird helped me realize that sometimes you need a distraction from your daily routine, a mental shift from what is immediately in front of you or on your mind.
I was sitting in a car dealership at the time. In a flicker of a moment, a bird taking a bath provided that for me. That instant proved to be a respite to delight in what's good -- nature. Something to marvel in and meditate on. It made me think about playing outside, having fun and enjoying life. For several minutes, I was in another world.
That momentary change of focus helped me remember to appreciate the little things in life, including the change in seasons.
I had a plan, things I wanted and needed to get accomplished for the day. It started with getting my car registration taken care of -- only to find out I needed an inspection first. Instead of a check mark off the list of things to do, another task was added.
There I was, waiting for my car to be inspected and washed. I had a book to read, a cigar and my smart phone. I could check e-mail while soaking in the sun. I was being productive and enjoying a gorgeous day.
And that is when the bird captured my attention. I stopped what I was doing, put the phone down and just watched. There was a puddle of water next to a drain that provided a place for it to clean up a little and refresh.
Then came another, and soon several were taking advantage of the opportunity to flap their wings in the water, walking around in it, and dipping their beaks and heads in it as well.
They reminded me of children jumping in a swimming pool for a cool dip. It took me back to a time of playing with friends outside: tag football, hide and go seek, or being creative and making up a game.
As quickly as they appeared -- from nowhere, it seemed -- the birds were off together perched on a tree not far away, drying off.
It was a refreshing moment, at least for me. Perhaps for them, too. Momentarily, I had forgotten about the challenges at hand, the car being inspected and the next item on the list to do for the day. And that was good. Just sitting outside, on a bench, alone, paying attention.
A few minutes of observation, a mental get-away, was all I needed. Something all of us can benefit from at times in this on-demand world we live in.
So, take a moment to read a book. Meet someone new and interesting. I did this week. Go outside for a walk. My wife enjoyed her walk listening to music. Ride your bike through the neighborhood. A neighbor was doing so as I went outside to check the mail. Reconnect with a friend. While you are at it, say a word of thanks for all you do have. I thank that little bird, a sparrow, I believe, for reminding me why.
A red bird just flew by. I love this time of year.
Nigel Alston lives in Winston-Salem. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
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