The Tale of Sam Sunder

Almost a year ago, Sam Sunder lost his footing only to find himself belly up, floating downstream during one of the area’s greatest floods. Sam was tiny then, and the tragedy separated him from all family and friends.

As an orphan, he had to pick up information along the way. Growing up can be difficult without someone to teach you. But Sam was smart, though perhaps not very wise. He learned quickly how to gather leaves and save for the future. He became an expert at dodging long-beaked birds and the curious children who laughed and ran in the woods seeking a science class specimen.

But Sam had one problem. It hounded him every morning and every night, regardless if the day was happy or sad. He observed his world and found many wonders such as the prancing deer, the howling bear, the princely fox, and the regal eagle – in Sam’s estimation, the eagle was God’s most amazing animal. He thought, To fly, now that would be heavenly! His mind soon mocked him, and he wondered why God made him a worm. I am the lowliest of creatures; of what use am I?

Past the tree where Sam sat brooding, a serious meeting of robins formed. Their chief counselor pronounced judgment on a young, wounded bird. “He has been injured quite severely and will never fly again. He can no longer be part of our clan. This is his own doing – a careless oversight on his part!” Then, after a brief pause, the counselor pointed to the fledgling and said, “You, young lad, will no longer be part of our alliance.” With that, the flock of robins took to flight and left the hapless creature to fend for himself.

Sam watched the brown bird nursing his wing. With hesitation, he maneuvered his way nearer and said, “Hey there, Mr. Robin, you look like you could use some help.”

“Yes, I guess I could. I’ve had an unfortunate fall.”

“Listen,” said Sam, “I can help you, just as long as you promise not to eat me.”

“Not a problem,” replied the Robin, “besides, I prefer berries.”

With that agreed, Sam built a comfortable place for the bird to rest using sticks and leaves, and he also made the robin a splint for his wing. Sam learned that the bird’s name was Jeremy, and the two of them became best friends.

Jeremy often told Sam stories of his adventures in the air. Like the time he fell asleep on a dead limb that broke free. By the time he woke up, he was only a few feet away from crashing to the ground. But Jeremy soared skillfully to safety.

Eventually, Jeremy’s wing healed; he flew again, and both the bird and the worm gave thanks.

Sam was happy for his friend, and he accepted his place in life. He understood that he would never fly. He was, however, able to help his friend soar once again.

Older, wiser, and now very sleepy, Sam crawled onto a large tree trunk and began to weave a cocoon around his long, fat body. He stayed there asleep for many days… Seasons change, even for Sam, and the day arrived when he awoke from his long nap. He struggled to get free from the cocoon’s shell. It took some time, but he succeeded. Sam looked at his new body and rejoiced at the metamorphosis. He soon discovered he had wings to fly. After a time, Sam adjusted to his new wings; he sailed effortlessly through the air with his friend Jeremy.

Sam looked beyond himself and his own worries to help another. In the end, after enabling Jeremy to recover, Sam’s own desire to be airborne transpired. When we reach out to others in the Spirit of Christ’s love, many times we discover that our own God-inspired dreams take flight.

 

Isaiah 41:13-16 NIV

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel.