St. Francis and the Birds

Have you heard any good stories lately?  I have!  Here is one that makes me smile from ear to ear whenever I hear it.  Maybe because I am an English Lit gal (who loves God & animals) but for whatever reason it makes me smile. So let me share it with you.  Have you ever heard the story about the time that St. Francis stopped and preached to the birds?  Such a great Romans 10 illustration and a beautiful story really, and since it is not very long (and because I would probably retell it badly) I will copy it here for you to read: 

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Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not. Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.” At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic. Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way. Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals. There was even a time when St. Francis quieted a flock of noisy birds that were interrupting a religious ceremony! Much to the wonder of all present, the birds remained quiet until Francis’ sermon was complete. 

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See?  I'm smiling, and I hope you are too.  I like the story so much that I am working on teaching "the birds upon the tree tops" to my kiddos.  Click the link if you need to jog your memory on the tune but I'm sure you know the song:

♪ The birds upon the tree tops sing their song ♪

♫ The angels chant their chorus all day long ♫

♩ The flowers in the garden blend their hue ♩

 ♬ So why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you praise Him too? ♬

So there you have it, my thoughts about birds and kids and God and singing all wrapped up together, but mostly I guess I am trying to say this: take time to enjoy a story that makes you smile and take time to hear a song that makes your heart happy.  Even if just for a moment.  Oh, and why not read Romans 10:14-17 too while you're at it. Here, I typed it up just for you:

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)