Some time back, I received an email on buzzards, bats, bumblebees, and people. Since this material is not listed in "urban legends," I will assume it is accurate information:
BUZZARD
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
BAT
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.BUMBLEBEE
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.PEOPLE
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations BELOW, not ever realizing that the answer is right there ABOVE THEM.This email indicates that so many creatures (including man) have a perspective focused on lowly, immediate problems. The answer to all our cares BELOW comes from ABOVE. C.H. Purday has written the following: "Unto the hills around do I lift up my longing eyes; O whence for me shall my salvation come, from whence arise? From God the Lord doth come my certain aid, From God the Lord, who heav'n and earth hath made" ("Unto the Hills," #571 in our songbook).
This song is based on Psalm 121; the verses of this song echo verses from that psalm. The psalmist says, "I will lift up my eyes unto the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from Jehovah, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2). Look ABOVE to Him for guidance. "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
As with the buzzard, bat, and bumblebee, the answer for people is not to be found in focusing BELOW on the immediate circumstances or surroundings. Truly, the answer for each one of us is right there ABOVE US. Just lift up your eyes to the Lord, believe and obey His Word (Hebrews 5:9), & you'll receive the help you need (Romans 8:32).
