I have previously referred to the sound of a woodpecker busying itself in a tree across the road from my study window. Noisy but rarely visible these pretty little birds are strangely alluring (to me).
Over the last few weeks one of these friends has become braver and now feeds on the bird feeder that hangs on the cherry tree even closer to my window. I have yet to be able to photograph it as I am neither clever enough nor organised enough to be ready at the right time.
The visits have introduced a new dilemma. When the woodpecker visits for breakfast, all the other usual visitors to the feeder stay away. A solitary bird dominates where usually many little mouths feed. Should I be disappointed or pleased? I am not sure there is a right answer.
There are people in society like the woodpecker in my garden. They are always about but often out of sight; if they do come into a room everyone goes quiet to see what they want or will say. We stop normal activities while the dominant individual is in sight. There are many reasons for this.
Some people deliberately want to make an impression while others do it unwittingly. Whichever is the case, is it right or healthy for normal life that this happens? It is one thing for the cross species fear factor to operate, but within our own groups and communities should one person be able to stop life just by turning up? I am not sure there is a right answer.
Dominance is a risk and a benefit; dominance is an advantage and a disadvantage. Dominance can enable the strong to help and guide, to support and encourage. Dominance can cause silence and suppression of talents; dominance can be cruel and hurtful.
A Prayer
Lord, forgive us if we ever over-exert ourselves or our position to disadvantage others. Strengthen us if we are shy and find ourselves recoiling at others, even if they are merely ‘there’. Help us always to remember that we each have things to do and talents to share. Amen.