Essentially Speaking

 As I’ve written before, there is no end to the garden to-do list. It’s a constant challenge to keep the list from dominating my life, and I fail on a regular basis. But some things on the list are just essential, which is often subjective. This morning, in the middle of an essential task, I thought: How essential is this? Dove-proofing bird feeders—really? That must be the most nonessential thing in the world. But bear with me while I explain why it is "essential" to me.

First, how do you dove-proof a bird feeder? Keeping doves from perching on the feeder requires an inventive thinga-ma-jig. Looking at the online find-anything shopping site, I found what they call “dove guards”. They were either pricey or not quite what I had in mind, but I did get some ideas. I needed a barrier that wouldn’t allow them to get close enough to eat the seed. It was also “essential” that they look attractive. I came up with the idea of modifing wire or rattan baskets to fit over the feeders. The weave would have to be large enough for small birds to get through, small enough to keep doves out. Recently, I learned that hanging chain around the perch area discourages dove because they don't like their wings touched. That’s the essential task I was working on.

To me, all life (except rats and roaches) is wondrous, but birds, butterflies, and cats have a special place in my heart. That means I have a lot of bird feeders that need to be filled often. You could say I’m helping God care for the sparrows? I buy seed in forty pound sacks and try to get the more nourishing kind with a minimum of milo, which is basically filler. Since good seed is expensive, I shop around for deals. I buy various kinds for different feeders, and make my own mix. If I don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount on birdseed every month, it's essential that I manage the feeding of the birds wisely. Doves, bless them, are gluttons and bullies. They intimidate the smaller birds, and they are also insatiable.

Right now, thirteen bird feeders are scattered throughout the garden. I divide a large cup of a fruit and nut mix specially for bigger birds among three platform feeders. They can also eat anything that spills on the ground. Three of the other ten feeders are made so doves can’t perch on them or they have a protective wire covering. Doves continually try to feed from the other seven and can demolish the contents in one day. That’s a bit much.

I love the copper feeder I bought at Tuesday Morning several years ago on sale for $17 (original $65 if you can believe that!). It hangs close to my kitchen window, next to a blue mosaic feeder, sending a shimmering reflection inside when the sun is right. Another favorite feeder I bought at an estate sale. It’s a unique antique—bell-shaped, blue hand-blown glass with a copper tray that screws on. The others are basic and functional, but they are not dove-proof.

Which brings me to why I think dove-proofing feeders is an essential task. To be a good steward of finances, wise and not wasteful, and fair to the smaller birds, it’s essential to find some way to conserve seed and prevent the doves from eating excessively; and, if I want to keep using my unique bird feeders, it’s essential to modify them.

I chose to create a garden—a garden that I hope inspires awe for the One in Three, the Creator and Sustainer of Life. I chose this because God led me to it, giving me the desire and ability. It was a strong urge I couldn’t ignore, because listening to and obeying God is essential to me, more than anything else. Was it essential in the sense of life or death? Not physical life, but I believe it was essential to my spiritual life. It was an act of faith that has helped me to know and hear God better, and so, I consider my work in the garden essential because it’s an ongoing “mission”, if you will. Still…there is always the issue of balance: choosing the essentials in life.

Prayer: Help me see clearly, hear clearly, to do what you call me to do. Nothing more, and nothing less…that is truly essential.