There are some peculiar things about this bird. Unlike other songbirds which learn their songs by one year, the mockingbird keeps adding to its repertoire all its life. It has a pleasant call of its own, but it is recognized best by the beautiful medley that is a combination of many other birdsongs. It has been known to mimic over 50 birds along with imitating other sounds, such as people whistling, croaking frogs, ringing telephones, squeaking doors, barking dogs, clucking hens, crying babies, pianos and sirens. It sings most beautifully at night or just before dawn.
Why am I so thankful for this talented songster? Well, it reminds me of you, my church family!
We are brought together in this Body by the Holy Spirit, united as one by the same Spirit, in love, fellowship, and calling. We all bring with us our own gifts and talents, miseries and woes. As I see and hear how you respond to the circumstances of your own spiritual walk, I learn from you, and your experiences and insights become mine. As we pray together and share our desires and concerns, they become my own burdens. Your rejoicings are mine, your griefs too. We feast on the Word together, and the power of that Word changes us, teaches us to minister to each other and to those outside the fellowship. As we grow more like Christ together, our “song” becomes more beautiful, and is heard more clearly and appreciated more in the “night” of pain and trouble.
The mockingbird teaches me to “thank my God always concerning you…” (1Cor. 1:4 NASB).
In light of the unity to which we are called, let us all be exhorted according to the Scripture which says, “.. by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10).
As a “mockingbird”, we want to make sure we imitate only the most beautiful songs, and none of the squeaky, creaky, scratchy, whiny noises. Then our “song” will embellish the world, and will thrill our Master!
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You have written a very interesting article. I never knew that the mockingbird mimicked so many sounds besides birds. It is neat how you correlated that with fellow Christians in the Body of Christ. That is something to meditate on. I'm reminded of a book Birdlife in Wington from around 1965-70 when my children were young-can't find it now. Do you have a copy? God bless you.
