Grackles are people, too

I love to watch birds. Everything about them fascinates me - the variety of their calls, the intricate details of their plumage, even their behavior in terms of raising their young and protecting their territory.

However, there is one exception: the ubiquitous grackle.

My grandfather called grackles "trash birds." If you've ever had your car pooped all over at the mall, grackles were likely to blame. They hang out in large groups reminiscent of "The Birds." And the sounds - the sounds seem better suited to an alien landscape than good old planet earth. They are annoying, irritating, and everywhere.

The other day I stopped at Wendy's for a quick bite to eat while in the middle of a bunch of errands. We had enjoyed a big rain earlier in the day. There were big puddles in the grassy area near the parking lot...and the scene was set for a grackle pool party!

For a moment, I was transported while watching the grackles play and splash. I forgot all my ill will toward grackles in general. Strangely, at that moment, they held all of the delightful characteristics of other birds.

This week I've been reading a book for work entitled Leadership and Self-Deception. It's one of those books that lays out principles that are simple on the surface, yet profound in scope. One of its key principles relates to how we view others - are they people, with hopes, dreams, and desires much like our own? Or are they objects to be used to further my purposes, or perceived obstacles impeding my own progress? Most of us operate as the latter, even though we don't know it. Something magical happens in the moment we really, really, look a person in the eyes and truly see them in all their humanity. Prejudice and anger melts away; respect and empathy grows; we are freed to love and be loved.

If you're not sure how this is done, look to the Master. Several stories from the gospels come to mind. The woman with the hemorrhage, touching the hem of Jesus' garment (Matthew 9:20-22, "Jesus turned and saw her."). The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-31, "Jesus looked at him and loved him."). The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-16). Each of these experienced something very special - Jesus looked through the exterior to see the hurting person beneath. He gave the gift of physical touch. He saw their humanity - actually, the image of God himself - and in so doing changed each person's life forever. Don't we all want to be seen and understood?

So, let me challenge you (and me!) today - who is the "grackle" in your life today? You know, the irritant, the one you avoid, the one you are sure has it out for you? Would you be willing to take a moment to sit and see this person in their God-created glory, and let Jesus fill you with the love he has for them? They - and you - will never be the same.