DIRTY DEEDS
There was a time when struggling through the river of life, I never stopped to consider my quest, my obstacles, even my nuisances, but especially my enemy’s perspective. All were to be vanquished and disposed of as quickly as possible and stomped to the bottom of the river, footstools to be used to be first to the other side.
These days, even as I fight to rise above, I find myself somewhat content just to not end up with my skull on one side of a boot heel and the bottom of the river on the other…
It was more of a nuisance, but my first instinct was to kill em’. “Kill em’ all, and let God sort em’ out.” They’re uninvited guests, trespassers, free loaders. They make themselves at home around my house and don’t pay anything like it’s their God-given right.
When they first showed up six or seven years ago, I enlisted a gun for hire to do my dirty work. After all, it’s about taking care of yourself and your loved ones, the rest you just gotta scrape off the bottom of your boots.
I paid the hitman, the boy next door at the time, twenty bucks a head for the lives of my enemies and that got rid of them for five years or so, but then one day their offspring showed up again, unannounced and out of nowhere: the pigeons were back.
I first heard them from my office, breaking my concentration and stealing the thoughts that surely would have been the ingredients for a blockbuster novel. I went out front, which I rarely do, and discovered all the droppings splattering the mat outside my office doors.
I also found and obscene pile of the big bird doo smack in the middle of the front entry – the hanging light fixture had become their toilet of choice it seemed.
I threw landscape pebbles to shoo the flying rats, but the minute I went back inside they mocked my moxie and went back to the secluded spot outside and above my office windows.
The hitman has grown up and gone off to college so I had to take the dirty deeds into my own hands. I got the most high powered pellet gun they had and enough ammo to fight off a pigeon attack of Hitchcock proportions. I spent half a day trying to sight in the scope, but to no avail.
With almost a complete day shot, nor a pigeon, I tried to shake off the frustration and trudged back to my office to get some writing done. That’s when I saw my arch nemesis on the high window ledge above the french doors in my office peering down on me with pride, mocking me from above.
I jumped up and ran out the doors, scooped up a fistful of gold landscape rocks and hurled them Nolan Ryan style at the pesky house crasher.
A few days later as I pulled into my driveway I scanned the ridge lines and nooks and crannies for my enemy. He stood boldly and defiantly on top of the fireplace stack above my office… That’s when I noticed my adversary was doing it on one leg…
That was over a month ago…
I often struggle to have compassion for anything or anyone in life when I’m too focused on rising above, gaining ground. In the struggle for survival in this river of life we end up with scars, some seen, some unseen, but we all have them, our enemies and us.
Our Father has given us wisdom to know that we all struggle in the river and when we reach the other side is up to Him. In the struggle, we’re not called to just survive, but to thrive. And that can only be done when we see others, including our enemies, the way our Father sees all of us.
I don’t like what my enemy the pigeon does, but I respect his struggle…
Now if I could only get him to respect mine…
Sharon
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 10:24 am
Man, I loved this one!
Pigeons can be such pesky nuisances, though I cringed at the thought of killing them. Of course, I did take into consideration that the *poop* was not on my porch!
I like the bigger lesson that you drew out from this. I have come across some difficult people in my life, and my inclination is always to avoid them, or to bash their character out of earshot. After some big *mess-ups* in my own life, I try not to judge so harshly. We don’t know their backstory, nor the reasons why they might be the way they are. I try to remember that “while we were yet sinners” Jesus died for us.
Now, if He could just help me to love like He did. Even the pigeons in life.
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 5:58 pm
You do spin a wise story, sister! I appreciate your candor and wisdom, it helps remind me of what I need to be striving for! Thanks so much, Sharon.
Chuck Allen
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 12:48 pm
Ah! A bit of compassion creeping in, huh? I loved the sense of frustration in this, tempered with that ending.
We had a similar “war” with some beavers a few years back. They were destroying entire sections of the forest. Not a fun thing to do, that’s for sure.
Floyd
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 6:00 pm
I hear you, Chuck. I had a war with a family of squirrels in my back yard not too long ago too! And yeah, the compassion is catching up with me, my friend. Thanks, Chuck.
Hazel Moon
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
Awesome post as always. When my dad built his pigeon traps, I think it was because they were eating the chicken food. He caught them several at a time and you know their fate, after reading my book Two. We don’t have pigeons here, but sparrows make a mess when they build their nest next to our front steps. God has his method to take care of birds and animals – – and us too. May our enemies only be birds, perhaps we can handle a bird or two.
Floyd
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 6:02 pm
I do know the story of your dad and the pigeons! Smart man your dad. Great point about our only enemies being a couple of birds, I wish I could say that was true in my life now! Thanks, Hazel. I always appreciate your take and perspective on life’s matters.
Nancy
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 5:24 pm
I think this article goes along with Jesus instructions, “take heed HOW your hear”. We also need to take need HOW we see. Prov 3:5-6 We have our Father’s eyes, when we acknowledge Him in all our ways. It’s amazing what God will bring about when we back off and consider thing in the light of God’s thoughts. I just had one of my students fake a trip-and-fall. She has caused so much trouble, yet God had me put her picture on my fridge and pray over her everyday. She is only acting like her father the devil.l Time she switched Fathers. Good job bringing us readers into a different frame of mind!!!
Floyd
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
That is an awesome witness and testimony, Nancy! Putting a picture in your home, a picture of someone trying to harm and take advantage of you… that’s amazing! That is the heart of our Father, sister. Awesome example!!! I’m paying attention! Thanks, Nancy. It’s always a blessing to hear from you!
Cynthia
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 6:00 pm
Love it! Just think to yourself: We’ve all been looked-upon as “pigeons” to someone, at sometime or another. Yep! Better believe it! Blessings, friend!
Floyd
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Oooo… You have a way of getting to the point and heart of a matter, Cynthia! Wonderful wisdom you’ve been blessed with from our Father! Thanks for sharing it here… You are greatly appreciated, my friend!
Rick Dawson
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 8:58 pm
Too funny – in the 12 Step rooms, the newcomers are often referred to as pigeons because they don’t know what they are doing and crap on everything, usually targeting the brightest things they can see. Having been a pigeon in that sense, I’m grateful no one showed up with a pellet gun to add to the injuries I was already carrying (well, they did – but that’s a story for another day).
Thanks for the chuckle, Floyd, and for the story behind the story that keeps getting richer. 🙂
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:12 pm
I didn’t know that? Thanks for sharing, Rick. And I’m glad you got a chuckle, you need one these days, my friend. Thanks, Rick.
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 @ 11:00 pm
Laughing…out loud…this was great. I could see my own husband in your shoes…he gets “excited” about things like this. If he didn’t have the Holy Ghost he would be a road rage maniac! 🙂 He likes to take things in his own hands and get the job done. Have you seen the old Dick Van Dyke episode where a giant woodpecker is after their little boy’s red head?? Dick goes out on the front porch with pots and pans banging them for all its worth. Hilarious. But he isn’t allowed to kill the creature…political correctness even in the ’60’s! Enjoyed the chuckle and the analogy today. Blessings!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:14 pm
Well your Sweetheart is a man after my own heart! I don’t remember that episode of the Dick Van Dyke show, but I do remember many of them were about his frustration! Good call, Nannette! Thanks, sister. Glad to give you a laugh, even when you’re in Europe!
Bill (cycelguy)
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:27 am
I. HATE. PIGEONS. No compassion for them at all. You are a better man than me my friend.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:15 pm
Yeah, but I’ll bet you’d have a heart grow a tad watching the old bird standing on one foot.. or claw, or whatever they have! I don’t blame you, Bill, not a bit, I’ve been fighting them for years…
Thomas Mason
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:49 am
Often, in my struggles and in the struggles of others, survival mode kicks in and it’s all I can do to keep heads above the water. Thrive mode, not really. Seems unattainable, never within reach. I want to exact revenge, but too many times, the hits against me and others seem relentless.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:18 pm
I’m with you, Thomas, it really does feel like we’re getting beat down and pushed to the bottom of the river of life! Hang in there, brother. They can’t drown us when we’re sitting in our Father’s hand… Thanks for sharing, Thomas.
Bernard Haynes
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 6:57 am
Excellent post. You said it all for me when you said, ‘In the struggle we’re not called to just survive, but to thrive’. I am taking that to heart to thrive even through the struggles.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:26 pm
You’ve got the attitude, Bernard! You do indeed thrive, my friend! Thanks for adding your encouragement!
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 7:00 am
This was so funny, Floyd. I can just picture you in your battle and I love the bit about the hit man. I bet he loved that job! We also have several of those birds at our house and one of their favorite places is the right side of our driveway – so we try not to park our cars there. Those birds! I love to listen to them, but I don’t like to see the evidence of their digestion all over the place!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Very well said, Barb! That’s the ugly problem isn’t it? Uhhh! They always end up in the same place! Right above my office, their sound is unmistakable! Thanks, Barb.
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 8:58 am
Pigeons are nasty creatures. I do like the story though and application. 🙂 Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
They are, Jason. I don’t blame you a bit, my friend! Thanks!
Jennifer Dougan
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 10:24 am
Hi Floyd,
You’re right, the one-leg pigeon does seem to garner more compassion, huh? Poor thing. It’s still rascally to have pests bothering one’s home or gardens. The moles and gophers in my yard have driven me to plotting violence to them as well. 🙂
Happy hunting,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:45 pm
He did muster up some compassion in me, Jennifer! I’ve had a go round with squirrels in my backyard too! I lost that battle too! Thanks, Jennifer.
June
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
I’m picturing a Pirate Floyd with a one-legged pigeon on his shoulder, lol! It’s hard to be at peace with nature sometimes, isn’t it? The earth and all that is in it is part of our inheritance from God, but right now, under the curse, we all groan and struggle against the powers of the air! One day, that day, that glorious day! When we enter into our inheritance, even you, Floyd will be at peace with the pigeons! To affirm what Hazel said, may your only enemies be birds. Have a blessed week, brother!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
That’s too funny! I see that picture too! I think I’m gonna start saying “Arrrrg!” You have a wonderful perspective and the wisdom of Solomon, sister. Thanks for sharing it here and giving me a good chuckle, June!
June
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
I’m picturing a Pirate Floyd with a one-legged pigeon on his shoulder, lol! It’s hard to be at peace with nature sometimes, isn’t it? The earth and all that is in it is part of our inheritance from God, but right now, under the curse, we all groan and struggle against the powers of the air! One day, that day, that glorious day! When we enter into our inheritance, even you, Floyd will be at peace with the pigeons! To affirm what Hazel said, may your only enemies be birds. Have a blessed week, brother!
Betty Jo
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 2:01 pm
Oh Floyd this is sooooo funny, although I’m sure it wasn’t/isn’t for you, and written sooooo well. As always, you make me feel like I’m witnessing whatever you’re writing, in person. Here I’m writing about my critters and how thrilled I am with them, and then I come and read you’re killing yours; when you can. LOL One thing I haven’t seen around my place are pigeons. Don’t know if they live in these mountains or not. The closest thing to it I’ve seen are doves, which do resemble pigeons, but have such a soulful sound and I just love ’em. Sorry I haven’t been around for a while. I’ve been sick, then busy, then sick, and busy again. . . So glad you found my new blog and hope to keep it updated a bit better than the last one. Sometimes it’s just time for a change. No one really likes change, except maybe a wet baby, but we gotta do, what we gotta do! Be Blessed Brother!!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
That was quite a twist! Oh for the problems we have! We should be so blessed to have only pesky birds as our problems as Hazel said. Glad to hear you’re feeling better and moving on to bigger and better things! Your insights are always so fun to read! Thanks, Betty Jo!
Betty Draper
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 6:01 pm
Great story with a powerful ending. We fought the gecko’s in Papua New Guinea the same way. Those nasty critters lived inside our house, they can get through the tiniest crack. I learned to put my dinner plates, cups, bowls, all dishes upside down so they could not poop in them. Several times I would be cooking and one would fall from the ceiling into the food or on the table. We got a cat, that helped some, I hired a hit man too, a young missionary kids who love to climb and catch them, he was faster then the cat. He would go along side our house underneath the wood slabs where they lay their eggs, kill the eggs. It irritated me to no ends that those little tiny creature was one of God’s creations. Why would He create something so nasty, never mind they ate mosquitoes that carried malaria, never mind the the ate the poison spiders. Hardest thing to do was live in peace with them but finally I stop screaming when one dropped on my plate as I age my egg or found their poop in our bed. I stopped complaining about them, finally let the hit man go, kept the cat because there was also the rats…now I know for sure they have no earthly good except some people in some countries eat them. Ugg… The Word does say if at all possible we are suppose to live in peace with each other but I think it means people not critters or at least certain critters. Again my brother great story. Before I forget, I have ate pigeon…not bad…like frog legs better though. The tribal people waste no living creature that swims, flies or crawls, all are up for eating. Great post, now I am going to check my cabinets for California has tons of gecko’s.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 @ 6:09 pm
That was great!!! We all have our own little private wars with the critters our Father made it seems. Yours are some great stories and I don’t blame you for your perspective on bit! We have a few geckos in AZ, but they rarely end up inside… and I have to admit when they do I scoop em’ up and let outside… I must be getting soft in my old age! Thanks, Betty!
Ceil
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 8:54 am
Hi Floyd! Well, at least your nemesis is a pigeon, I guess it could be worse! My husband also calls them ‘flying rats’ and somehow that makes them that much more odious. I kept wondering if all your rock throwing would shatter a window. Phew! Your windows are safe.
Sometimes the cures we concoct for our ills end up being worse than the problem. Good thing yours wasn’t! I really liked the way you wrapped up your experience…respecting the struggle and hoping for some respect yourself. I think that neatly describes the journey of a Christian!
Ceil
Floyd
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 5:14 pm
I guess if a person lives long enough they’re bound to have some run ins with critters of all kinds. This is nothing compared to the rattle snake that got into our casita when we lived in North Scottsdale. My wife was ready to move back south after that escapade! There are worse enemies and the most dangerous kind walk on two legs… if you know what I mean…
Good call on our calling, Ceil. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated, sister!
Lisa notes
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 1:50 pm
Now you’ve got me thinking: who are the pigeons in my life? And who am I a pigeon to? Thankful for your compassionate take at the end–it makes it hit home with all of us.
And in the meantime, I hope the pigeons all fly away to new homes and leave you alone. 🙂
Floyd
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 5:16 pm
Good point, Lisa. I’m certain I’m a pigeon to some poor soul, at least from their perspective. I heard about a recording that makes some type of high pitched bird sounds that are supposed to run them off. I’m gonna give that a try. Then try not to be a pigeon to others in my life! Thanks, Lisa.
Saleslady371
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 4:28 pm
You never disappoint; I can always learn something here with your awesome posts. I’m relating by thinking of all the different ways we’ve tried to win the battle with gophers. No success. They ate the roots of my fruit trees and now I have to buy my fruit at the market! Been advised to try dynamite. Not ready; either I’m compassionate or afraid.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such an encouraging comment!
Floyd
Thursday, July 10, 2014 @ 5:18 pm
We do have to give the critters some credit, they don’t give up easy! We should be so persistent in life! I’ve had some success with flares for ground squirrels, you just gotta be on the other end and ready to do something with em’! Thanks, Mary, and you’re welcome, sister.
Dolly@Soulstops
Saturday, July 12, 2014 @ 4:59 pm
Floyd,
I’m glad the pigeons didn’t steal your sense of humor or ultimately, your compassion…and definitely not your ability to tell a story and weave in an important point about seeing others with compassion 🙂
Floyd
Sunday, July 13, 2014 @ 12:22 pm
Thanks, Dolly. You have a wonderful way of recapping a subject and making it sound even better than it was told! What a gift! Thanks for sharing it here, Dolly. God bless, sister.
Mia
Sunday, July 13, 2014 @ 9:16 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, I feel this way about the Hadidas that breed in a tree in our garden and consider themselves to be God’s alarm clock to mankind and especially in my life! They consider our swimming pool as their own personal bath and source of water and love to entertain their friends around the pool as often as possible. They walk into my scullery uninvited to eat the dog’s food without one ounce of guilty feelings!! The other day I counted nine or ten of them around the pool. By the way, they even think the paving around the pool to be their personal toilet. But I have come to love them over the years and want to cry for every hatchling that falls out of the nest. They showed me how our Pappa looks after them year after year after year without them worrying to much about this thing called life! Much more intelligent than most people I know.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Sunday, July 13, 2014 @ 12:25 pm
I appreciate the heart and perspective, Mia! I’m with you about how we can learn from the created ones that trust in God to provide and live in peace despite the fallen world they live in. No wonder you have so many hanging at your place! I’d hang there too if I were a Hadidas! Thanks, Mia. It’s great to hear from you, sister.
Joanne Norton
Sunday, July 13, 2014 @ 10:12 am
All I can say, regarding this situation going around and about, is “life is life”. Birds, bugs, bats, bees, butterflies, and piles of other “B’s” in our world… including a variety of “B”eople…can make us want to adjust, readjust, change and change. AND, at the same time, same way, we want to turn their hearts in the right direction to the Lord… and ours, too. Bless your heart…”B”rother. 😉
Floyd
Sunday, July 13, 2014 @ 12:26 pm
That was to clever! Good call, Joanne. Our hearts turing the direction of our Father will ensure peace and joy on the inside, it’s impossible to find or catch on the outside… Thanks, Joanne!