Counting the Cost

This is the day YHWH has made—let us celebrate with joy! ~ Psalm 118:24

Six o’clock seems to be the moment each day when I have one of two reactions. Either I think that I could stay in bed a bit longer before I have to start my day, or I have an overwhelming urge to get outside because there surely must be migrant birds to chase. Spring seems to have hit the snooze button this year, so more mornings are marked with the former feeling, but the sense that even at the crack of dawn I have already wasted time is coming.

This cost/benefit analysis of the amount of sleep is centered on self-interest, i.e. my ability to find satisfaction in checking species off on my lists. Most of the time, we will justify higher costs for selfish returns, and while the self-benefit will never be zero, we sometimes find value in spending our time on behalf of others. This might involve, contributing to community science through reporting our data or participating in monitoring programs. It might mean assisting birds in need of rehabilitation from striking windows or other dangers. Sometimes it might involve sharing the infectious joy of birdwatching by helping others improve their skills or discover new locations for birding. Whether the return on investment is a bit of an ego boost or simply, well, a good feeling, what is happening at the core is an experience of awe.

That experience is not a one-way street. That is, we don’t have to be the giver. Research demonstrates that we experience awe when we witness the self-giving of others. When we see someone doing good, not only does it move us, it inspires us to do the same. Awe is contagious!

A wonderfully ironic example can be seen in Mark Twain’s telling of the story of Tom Sawyer wanting to go birding, erm, fishing, but needing first to complete the chore of whitewashing a fence. He convinces his friends to do it for him by promising that it would be fun. Little did he know that his fib was actually true. Working together, contributing to important work, serving the common good, are all ways that we catch the awe bug, maybe even having some fun along the way.

Prayer: Sun of Righteousness, as we count the cost, may the benefit of awe dawn on us today and every day. Amen.