Have you ever had one of those moments in life that sort of makes you rethink everything that you've known in life or have been going through? Well, I have. A few weeks ago, I was giving a tour to this really nice lady and her daughter that was interested in attending the college I go to. At the end of the tour, we were walking on the sidewalk next to the admissions building when I heard the other tour guide gasp and let out a little "Aww". I stepped around the girl and her mom to see what she was looking at.

There it was. A little bird that had left its nest too early. The bird had bright yellow feathers on its chest and under its wings and brown-grey feathers covering the top parts of its body. Honestly, it was adorable. The problem was that it was barely before the age where it's mom and dad were supposed to teach it how to fly. Most of the time, the birds just follow their parents lead and jump out of the nest. Then, instinct kicks in. However, sometimes the birds don't catch on as quickly and can't figure out how to get more than a few inches off of the ground. This is when the parents would fly by their sides and lightly brush them into the air until they could figure out the rest. Turns out, this bird was one of those birds that couldn't quite get it. But, it was okay. I knew what to do.

I reached down to pick it up, and the strangest thing happened. It hopped right into to my hands. No struggle. No fight. Just peacefully found its place in my joined palms. I walked it over to a group azalea bushes. Of course, being me, I had to take a picture. I couldn't tell people the story and expect them to believe me if I didn't have proof. Then, I held it away from me a little and began to bounce it up and down gently. I was letting it get a feel for the air under its wings that it was soon about to take on. Once its wings spread wide and I could tell it was ready, I tossed into the air. Instantly, the baby bird that was just desperate enough that it would put its bare trust and faith in a complete stranger turned into a beautiful and strong mass of independence.

The sadness behind this is that the poor thing was left all alone. Its parents were nowhere to be found. It knew where it needed to be, but had not idea how to get there. Until, I came along. But, what would have happened if I hadn't? Or, what would have happened if when I found it, I would have just turned away and left?

In life, there are too many times that we are the little bird. We are left all alone. We know where we need to be, but we have no idea how to get there. The things we were taught would work our entire lives, all of a sudden do not. People pass us by, and some even stop and stare for a little while. Just when we have lost all hope, the perfect person comes by at the perfect time and shows us what to do.

Also, in life, there are too many times we see little birds that can't find their way to the air. However, we're not always as compassionate as what I was this time. Sometimes, we have just had too bad of a day or even a week. We are so caught up with our own lives that we fail to realize there is someone that could really use our help. We could even be their last hope.

So, my challenge to you readers comes in two parts. First, when you see the little birds in life, reach a hand down. Of course, they won't always take it, but for the ones who do, it'll be worth it for you to help. Second, when you are the little bird, keep your faith. Don't trust just any hand put in front of you. You'll know the right one when you see it, and help is always on its way.