I have this pigeon infestation outside the window of my bedroom (similar to the problem Christine and Alice had last year but far less severe, and far less bird poop). I was sitting on my bed reading when I hear the sound of the mother bird flying back to the nest to feed her two chicks. I watched the feeding frenzy out of curiosity and it was just awful. The two chicks were clawing and screaming to get food from the momma pigeon. They were competing for her attention, and did everything they could to get as much food for themselves and prevent food from entering their pigeon sibling's mouth. This went on for a good 20 minutes.

I don't know what it was about this scene that made me unhappy. I know they're just animals, and are trying to do everything they can to ensure their own survival. But maybe deep down I was thinking that we as humans aren't that much better. We have social niceties and try to do good to others, but only to the extent that it doesn't injure ourselves. If it were a matter of pure survival, people are just as likely to sacrifice others' well being for the sake of their own.
This brought me to think about what I've been reading about Ruth in my qts. She had the choice of ensuring her own survival when Naomi gave her the choice to go back to her family and find a new husband. But instead of grasping that opportunity, she gave herself up for Naomi's sake.
And Ruth's sacrifice is a picture of Jesus' even more perfect sacrifice for us. He gave up everything so that we could have life. His model is how we should live and love others.

It gives me hope that I can rely on God to continue love and perserve in faithfulness even when everything and everyone else disappoints and falls short.