My walk was a little shortened today, but I couldn’t wait to get to the park bench to hear the Lord. Although He didn’t speak to me, His birds did. Behind me there was a hidden mockingbird singing his heart out. I looked and looked, but couldn’t spot him. There were also many different birds gathered, sitting in the large trees. Some of the small birds were flitting in and out of the bushes. It seemed like everyone was enjoying the mockingbird’s song. At one point his song was less and I finally spotted him on a nearby bush. All of a sudden another mockingbird came and they began to chitter at each other, flying about, and chasing each other. The concert was over. Why? The second bird interrupted his beautiful song.

Competition is very negative. It stops the flow of beauty. It interrupts community and unity. If fills the air with a shrill, stuccato sound. I’ve seen this same thing in praise and worship, whether in voices or instruments. We must learn to honor one another, preferring one another. Help me listen intently to the voice the Lord is speaking through. Let it resonate in me. It’s not all about me and what I hear or have to say. It’s about us and Him, a communion of song.