“Did you see that? A bird just flew into your window!”
“I know.”
“Here he comes again!”
WHAM!
“It’s a cardinal!”
The bright red bird slammed himself against my office window once again.
“How often does he do that?”
“A couple of times a day, several days a week, and he’s been at it for over a year!”
After about six months, I named the bird. After nine months, I began having conversations with him (NOTE: 90% of my day I am alone in the office. It’s ok if I talk to the bird!):
“Redd, you are such a birdbrain! Stop. It. Stop it! You aren’t getting anywhere!”
Mr. Redd is a perfect example of the definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.
Hmmph! I would never beat my brains out time and again, repeating the same thing, with no sign of progress! Not me! Never!
Or would I? The next morning during my prayer time, I found myself petitioning God for the same lost loved ones, the same prodigals, that had been off and on my prayer list for a year or more. Redd came to mind. I thought about his persistence and tenacity. I thought how consistently he beats himself against the window. He never gives up.
The only difference between me and Redd, is that I do give up. I pray and pray and pray, and don’t see anything happening. I think “What’s the use? This will never change!” And I stop beating my head against the window.
Luke 18:1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (NLT)
Shouldn’t I be insane in my praying? Can I do that? Pray insanely for someone or some situation? God is always working. I may never see the progress God is making. Or, the it may seem so small, that I don’t notice. Then one day, I look around, and my prayer has been answered!
Slowly, gradually over time, God has answered. No big fanfare or lightning flashes. Just a snail-like movement that almost goes unnoticed.
Mr. Redd may have seemed insane, but he taught me a powerful lesson:
Let your prayers be insane!
Always expect different results, responses, behaviors.
Always expect your prayers to make a difference! God can do it!
Linking up today with #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth, and Woman to Woman Wednesday!
ordinaryflash.wordpress.com 
Ellen….enjoyed this so much…wonderful thought…loved the photo of Mr. Redd also!
JWB
Bro. Buie! Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate all your encouragement. Please give Mrs. Chris a hug from me! PS – Redd is still pecking at my window!
Cardinals are my favorite bird. I will probably think of this story every time I see one. What a beautiful message and truth. Blessings to you, Ellen.
Thank you so much Sabra! I loved the graphic you put together for your marriage post. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Ellen!
Ellen – this post was perfection on so many fronts! Love your style – and your visionary blog name and verse. Looking forward to reading more of you in the future. Following you on facebook!
Joy!
Kathy at The Writer’s Reverie
Kathy, thanks so much for stopping by! And for the FB follow – I appreciate you! Love your blog – so glad I saw your Memorial Stones title on Tell His Story! I’m one of your newest followers on Twitter! Can’t wait to dig into the “pretty” on your blog!
Funny how God teaches us lessons like this, through His creation! Let us keep praying insane prayers for those we love!
Amen Sarah! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hey Ellen! I LOVE that cardinal picture. And your CARDINAL rule is brilliant! Oh, I have things I want to keep praying for too. Wish I had a cardinal crashing into MY window to remind me each day! 🙂
Hey Betsy! Thanks for stopping by! I had been wanting to write about this cardinal for some time! Finally it hit me – much like him slamming into the window – that I need to be insane in praying! And yes, he is a daily reminder, though sometimes irritating!
Hello Ellen, I too am fond of the Cardinal. That is North Carolina,s State bird 🙂
I enjoyed your post and the encouragement to keep that prayer wheel turning. Blessings, Jill
Jill, thanks for stopping by! I remember that you love cardinals! Yes, we must persevere in our prayers!
How often I have been guilty of this, Ellen. I pray and pray and pray and then I give up because I don’t see results. At least not the ones I expect. Thank you for this lovely reminder to be persistent and expect an answer. I needed this!
Mr. Redd was visiting today, and what a great reminder to continue lifting up those I love! Thanks for stopping by Abby!
Boy, did I need to hear this today!! Thanks, Ellen!
Kristine, thanks for stopping by! Evidently, I need a lot of reminders myself, as Mr. Redd is still at it, constantly flying into my window!!