THE BIKDS 121 



But birds use their voices for something more 

 than to scold and advise their children. The thi'oat 

 of the song bird is like a httle music box from which 

 the sweetest songs pour forth; songs that help make 

 the world a happier place in which to live. 



It is just at the time when they are building their 

 nests and having their busy life together with their 

 little ones that the birds sing. Is it not a lovely 

 thing that each day they greet the morning with a 

 song? It almost seems, does it not, as if they were 

 thanking their Maker for this beautiful world and 

 for the joy of being together and of serving the 

 little, helpless birdlings they work so hard to feed. 

 St. Francis of Assisi, a monk who lived in the thir- 

 teenth century, thought so; and because his heart 

 was so thankful for all his blessings that he, too, 

 longed to sing his thanks and praise, he called the 

 birds his little brothers and sisters. 



Two things that are a genuine service the birds 

 do for us. They rid our gardens and orchards of 

 pests that would destroy them, and they bring us 

 cheer with theu^ wonderful melody. Their music is 

 one of God's gifts to us, a gift of joy and delight, for 

 which, with the other wonderful things in the world, 

 our hearts may give thanks. Victor Hugo, the great 

 French poet, tells us to ^^be like the bird," for then 

 we too may bless the world with a gift of gladness. 

 These dear little servants of God show us, who are 

 His servants too, how to keep a heart of joy while 

 we do our tasks. They, above all His creatures, help 

 us to understand the words of the prophet Isaiali: 

 ''Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart." 



