Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

"Thirty years ago, my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said,
"Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird."

-Ann Lamott
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

I had the pleasure of listening to Anne Lamott speak when she came to Dallas a couple of weeks ago, and I was amazed by her ability to deliver sage words of wisdom in an unassuming, genuine and thoughtful way. Afterwards I found myself frantically trying to remember all of the gems I had heard and I tried to think about what had moved me most.

One of the stories she told was about her brother and his insurmountable task of writing a report about birds. I can certainly identify with the feeling of having an assignment so huge that it's difficult to know where to begin. I've felt that way about the daunting task of helping to launch the North Star Learning Center. We are so blessed at this church to have such a team of dedicated congregation members who have given their time and talents beginning as early as last fall when Session voted to continue programming for the children of this community through a Child Development Center.

The road from that point has not been without its challenges, but the energy and enthusiasm of the people involved have certainly made it clear that if we take it one step at a time, we will accomplish our goal ~ to show God's love to our community by providing quality, affordable child care and education. When I get overwhelmed with the details, anxious about the future or just plain impatient, I have to remember my loving Father, with his arms around me, reminding me to "just take it bird by bird."

Heavenly Father, help us"...to run with perserverance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
Amen.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

-Kristin Eichenberger
Director of Children's Ministries

CCPC READS THROUGH THE PSALMS
Now through November 10
Join fellow congregation members as we read through The Psalms during 2008. To register CLICK HERE and let Joyce know your preferred email address to receive weekly devotionals and study guides.