Pileated woodpeckers feed their nestlings insects, fruits, and nuts; usually by regurgitation. These hungry nestlings cry out and in this case the father responds appropriately.

There are countless people in our communities who also are “crying out”; hungry, sick, depressed, lonely, lost, hopeless, and faithless. Are we, as God’s people, responding appropriately?

Jesus said to the righteous in Matthew 25:35-37 (NIV) “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”. His puzzled audience asked when they had done this for Him; and Jesus answered (Matthew 25:40) “ …whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.

The nestlings in this image were not readily seen. I sat below their nest for a long time before they peeked out and started crying for food. Had a good friend not informed me of their presence, I never would have seen them. I suspect that if we are not intentionally looking, we also will miss opportunities to help those in our communities.

Let’s find those in need and act appropriately; and look at these people not with pity, but as if each one of them is Jesus Himself.

I Found Him…watching hungry woodpeckers cry out.