Consider the Ravens

Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:22-32

Ravens are one of the smartest birds on the planet. They are the largest all-black bird, and the largest in the songbird species. Ravens have been observed to actually learn by observing an action or activity, and can use logic to decipher problems.

Many times whilst in the backyard or mountains, I’ve heard a really odd-sounding animal and stopped in my tracks.

What in the world was that?

Almost always, it turns out to be one of the amazing assortment of sounds made by a raven. I’ve found writing about sounds in the wild a bit challenging, and the calls of a raven are no exception. Besides their trademark caw, these birds can whistle, mew, and give a throaty “glook”. They can make a sound similar to a plop of water in a bucket. As best I can put it, ravens sometimes sound a whole lot like the monkeys I used to hear when I lived in Africa.

Juvenile ravens have been seen dropping and diving to catch sticks in midair, and playing tag with other animals.

I have a friend who raised a raven from a chick. They named him Lazlo. The bird stayed around their home for over a year. When they tried to release Lazlo back to the wild, they first stuffed him into an ice chest, which didn’t thrill him in the least. Then they drove to the site, took him out and tied a plastic bowl full of dog food in a tree to try and encourage him to stay there.  Lazlo had no idea where he had been taken.

When they got home, they continued their fencing project. Within a few minutes they heard him call. Lazlo dropped straight down from high in the sky and landed on the next fence post. He let out a loud proclamation to declare that they couldn’t fool him that easily.

Lazlo liked to sit on the hood of their car when they started down the road. As they picked up speed, he would spread his wings until he could no longer hold on to the hood, then he would lift off and sail back home.

Once when my wife and I and Moondog were walking around an outdoor volleyball court, a raven landed on the net and trundled/scooted over to stand on the pole right above us. He then turned his head completely upside down and looked at us for several moments, muttering raven sounds. Perhaps he was trying to tell us about his great-great-great grandpappy Lazlo, but we humans were too dull to comprehend. Moondog probably sorted it all out.

I hope to write about more Lazlo’s escapades at another time.

In the above Scriptures, Jesus tells us not to worry, that God knows what we need. We just need to seek first His kingdom. It’s our Father’s desire to give it to us.

Perhaps you needed that reminder today.

I know I did.

Have a great day.