Do eagles have habits?

There once was an old man who was invited by a youngster to have a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop by the river. As they chatted, the old man noticed two eagles, one who was always sitting in the treetops and one which always sat on the bank. He asked his young guest, "Why do you suppose one sits in the treetops and one is on the bank?" His young guest, unaware of the reason why and confident to show respect, simply asked the old man to tell him the reason. The old man replied, "I believe it is because the eagle on the bank never learned the power of habits. You see, the eagle in the treetops has learned that it is easier to take flight when you launch from the treetops. It allows the laws of nature to work with the eagle. So, every time the eagle stops flying it always lands at a high point. The other eagle did not pay attention to its habits and did not establish new ones. It always lands safely on the bank, again and again. It will always have to exert the maximum energy to get itself flying versus the treetop eagle. Treetop eagles soar at the start while bank eagles always flap hard. As leader, where are you landing and where is your team landing? Maybe it is time to consider choosing a higher point. As a leader, we can exhibit our role when we set new habits for ourselves and encourage others to do the same.


 

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we too will develop habits. New habits can be those that can empower us to change the old habits which restrict us. New habits can draw us nearer to God. We read, "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 NLT. There is no time better than right now to begin thinking about where you are spending your energy. Where are you always flapping diligently to take off again and again? Are you willing to even consider the simple change of landing in a treetop? Yes, it will be a little different, it might even look dangerous. But remember this, the default is that one is strong enough to flap diligently to take off from the ground. So, if you miss your landing on a high point, you can always flap hard to right yourself. Where are you willing to commit to a new treetop? Is it a new small group, maybe to read a book of the Bible, or maybe the entire thing? Maybe attending worship regularly is your treetop. Is it time to serve in ministry or mission? Can you help someone locally that you have not been willing to because you have been flapping too hard? Hey eagles, is it time for you to walk where we used to sit? It is time to run or maybe even to soar. Let the Holy Spirit assist you and spread your wings. Show your willingness to be a leader by setting some new habits. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, help us to see with new eyes. Let our perspective be challenged and to see where we are spending our time and our energy. For where our time and energy might be where we are flapping aimlessly when you are wanting us to soar. Hold us in the comfort of the palms of your hands as we find a new high point. May we find our strength in you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,