Ministry

"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag..." 

These timeless lyrics from the classic song "Feed the Birds" hold a profound lesson about the significance of small actions in our lives.

Last weekend I had the privilege seeing Mary Poppins at the Festival Theatre and it was a wonderful experience.

In "Feed the Birds," Mary Poppins gently encourages the children to embrace compassion and kindness by showing care for the seemingly insignificant creatures around them. The act of feeding the birds with just "tuppence a bag" may appear trivial, yet it echoes a vital message – small gestures can make a world of difference. 

The song reminds us that every tiny act of kindness, each expression of empathy, and every moment of selflessness has the potential to touch lives, create connections, and bring about positive change.

In the Bible, we find Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:14-16 that beautifully align with the essence of "Feed the Birds." 

He says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

This passage resonates with the idea that our actions, no matter how small, have the power to illuminate the lives of others.

Just as Mary Poppins encourages us to feed the birds in the face of uncertainty, Jesus invites us to shine our light through our deeds. When we perform acts of kindness, lend a helping hand, or offer words of encouragement, we are manifesting the love and goodness that reside within us. Even if we think our efforts are insignificant, they can have a significant impact on the lives of those around us.

Both "Feed the Birds" and Matthew 5:14-16 inspire us to view our daily interactions and actions through a lens of compassion and purpose. By embracing the message that small acts matter, we can cultivate a world filled with love, understanding, and positive change. As we step forward in our lives, let us remember the beauty and power of doing little things with great love, just as the song and the scripture teach us.

In a world often driven by grand gestures and impressive achievements, let us not underestimate the might of our own simple actions. Embrace the spirit of Mary Poppins' song and the teachings of Jesus and let your light shine through the little things you do, knowing that each small deed has the potential to create ripples of goodness.

Eve Ormsby

Youth Worker