Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
In our capitalistic society where competition seems to be the driving force, it’s easy to forget that cooperation can actually be more productive in many ways. That’s not saying we shouldn’t strive to build a better mousetrap or that innovation is bad, but rather our efforts might prove to be more beneficial if we worked towards the common good.
The Pygmy Nuthatch seems to model this behavior in a number of ways. A highly social species, they travel and feed in small family flocks which increase in number during the fall and winter. On cold winter nights they frequently roost together in a tree cavity which might contain more than 100 individuals. Hypothermia is controlled by stacking themselves into squares, triangles, and other tiered formations of birds inside the opening. A nesting pair may be supported by three to five males which are often last year’s offspring or siblings of the pair. They assist with nest building, maintaining the nest, feeding the incubating female on the nest, as well as feeding the young. Not surprisingly, pairs with this assistance raise more young than those who have no additional support.
As we seek to share the Good News about our Savior, He has promised to give us His support in this effort. Notice how Isaiah put it: “I the Lord have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will guard and support you, for I have given you to my people as the personal confirmation of my covenant with them. You shall also be a light to guide the nations unto me.” (42:6 Living Bible) In truth, that’s the only possible way the flock will grow.