Have you ever witnessed a flock of starling murmurate? If you have, you’ll likely have it imprinted on your mind. 15 years ago Theresa and I were traveling in our car in eastern North Carolina when we saw a huge flock of starling murmurating. To Theresa’s surprise we pulled over to watch them. It was an overwhelming experience. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about I would encourage you to pull up a youtube video (Nature’s Mystery: Watch the Hypnotic Dance of a Starling Murmuration) of it. It’s okay, I’ll wait.)

Yesterday, I saw some birds moving in this pattern and asked the Lord about it. I had always been fascinated by it and somehow knew God had a lesson in it, I simply had not known what it was. As I shared my query with Him, He began to speak to me about my self-appointed importance. When watching any group of birds move in such elegance it’s clear to see that none of them are worried. None are attempting to muster their leadership. None of them are concerned about their next move. They simply fly and respond to each other. They enjoy warmth, protection from predators, and joy in just being.

A reality I sometimes ponder, but never seem to fully grasp, is that God would be God if I were never born. He loves me and even likes me, BUT He doesn’t NEED me (that might deserve to be read again?) My importance is at its maximum ability when I submit to His Spirit. And do you know what I look like when I am flexible enough and humble enough to move with His Spirit? Like one of the birds in the murmuration. Hidden in His Spirit’s leading, showing off the beauty of a Master Creator so much more magnificent than me or any of my fellow humans.

We suffer NEEDLESSLY because we think too highly of ourselves and too lowly of God. How dare we think we could act in a way that is “like Him” when He died to make a way where He would work through and with us.

What. A. Shame….

AND a wide open opportunity… An opportunity for freedom AND surrender. To not be important but to be loved and joyous. To be warm and cared for. To a part of something magnificent and dare I say beautiful. The body of Christ. The murmurating Spirit of God working through His people.