Do you live a life of quiet elegance like an Elegant Trogon? Or do you call attention to yourself and thriving only when you receive praise?
… make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Finding Quiet Elegance in a Canyon
I hiked up the trail in Madera Canyon, trying to locate the author of the beautiful birdsong pouring forth from a nearby shrubby bush. A whisper of wings caught my attention, and I glanced to my right.
A stunning green bird with a vibrant red chest perched slightly below me. He blinked his large, round eyes, and I slowly brought my camera up and checked my settings. Although I had seen and heard a few Elegant Trogons, I had never had such an amazing photo opportunity.
I studied the bird’s quiet elegance as I snapped photo after photo. His back shimmered like a peacock’s tailfeathers in the light. The grey and white of its wings and tail formed a dapper pattern. Red circling his eyes contrasted vividly with his yellow beak. His flashy colors stood out in a winter-robed forest of sycamores, junipers, and manzanitas.
Unlike other birds in the area, he didn’t burst into song. His quiet elegance spoke for itself. In the spring, Elegant Trogons utter a gruff, frog-like sound or chatter in low tones. They nest in empty tree cavities, mate for life, and both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young.
While other birds may have beautiful songs, the Elegant Trogon lives up to its name. After observing the bird for ten minutes, it quietly winged its way down the canyon.
The Elegant Trogon and Paul
Paul counseled the Thessalonians to lead a quiet life—to mind their own business and work with their hands (as opposed to expecting someone else to support them). To do what God had given them to do without fanfare, squabbling, or dissent.
How often do I content myself with a quiet life? Sometimes, I sing my own praises. Other times, I dress up or change my appearance to impress others. Worst of all, I sometimes expect others to do things when I have the capability to do things myself. I should never think myself too good to unplug a toilet or bend over and pick up a piece of trash.
But if we want to follow Paul’s counsel, and win the respect of others, we need to lead like a servant and not act like we have more value than our fellow humans. Our quiet elegance may come from natural beauty (like the Elegant Trogon’s), or it may come from a shareable talent.
God wants us to explore and develop the best version of ourselves—the marvelous creation he knit together in our mother’s womb.
What are you working on in your life right now?

What a beautiful bird! I remember when I first began learning photography, I visited a garden with swans in a pond. I was so excited yet stumbling all over myself trying to “get” a picture. When I looked at the pictures on the camera, none of them turned out. I was so upset with myself! Then I looked up and there was the swan swimming back and forth in front of me as if the Lord was saying, “Try again.” It sounded like the kindness of the Lord to allow you experience this rare bird for ten minutes which reminded me of the time He was so kind with me in photographing a swan. I’m so glad you were able to capture this elegant Trogon and shared him with us.
Lisa Blair recently posted…Strength with Dignity Speaks of Elegance
What a beautiful story about the swan! I think God uses grace notes like that to remind us his love is personal.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Don’t Miss This Delightful Pauper to Princess Story!
Thank you for sharing the story of this beautiful bird. I used to think that scriptures that described a quiet life or a quiet spirit, were more difficult for me as a extrovert. I now understand that I can still recharge being around my people while having a quiet spirit and living a quiet life. I hope you have a lovely day!
😊 and I’ve always loved those quiet life verses because as an introvert, it’s right up my alley! I love how God made us delightfully different!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…The Surprising Things I learned from Dall Sheep About Caring for Young
What an amazing bird, Anita, I never heard of it before now. I love your analogy pointing us to a gentle and quiet spirit! This is a lesson I will remember for some time!
God’s design capabilities always astonish me! He created us with equal care, and some of us with equal flair. We all matter.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…The Surprising Things I learned from Dall Sheep About Caring for Young
You got some amazing shots. What a beautiful bird.
Sandra K. Stein recently posted…COMMIT
Thank you! God gifted me with the experience.
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