In 2024, resolve to see like an ostrich

Let's consider the ostrich. Why not? It’s the end of one year and the beginning of the next. An ideal time to remove one's head from the sand — or in our case the snow.

Ostriches are interesting creatures. It's a boon they still exist. Something about those feathers — the 18th-century ladies considered them high fashion. Their population almost disappeared. Ostrich farming, which began in 1838, saved them.

As the largest living bird — inhabiting Africa's open country — an adult male can reach nine feet tall and weigh over 300 pounds. Ostriches have strong legs and unique double toes, making them first-class escapees. They can run from predators as fast as 45 mph — and give a nasty kick when cornered. No wonder they don't fly — they don't need to.

In mating season males make a roaring sound similar to a lion when seeking their harems. The communal nest scraped in the ground, called a dump nest, can hold up to 60 eggs. No small feat as eggs are six inches in diameter and can weigh three pounds. The rooster ostrich sits on the nest at night, the hen by day, and both care for the chicks.

Ostriches can live 50 to 75 years. It turns out they don't do it by “sticking their head in the sand.” This mistaken idea came about because part of their camouflage is to lie on the ground with their neck outstretched. Makes way more sense than that big body poking up in plain view while they supposedly think they are hiding — just because they can't see the danger closing in.

At the close of the year, I like to reflect on the previous months, to look at what went right and what didn't. Where I need to subtract and where I need to add in the year ahead. The whole idea of hiding one's head in the sand has never seemed smart to me.

Here is something else surprising about the ostrich. Its eye has long lashes to keep out debris, a lower semi-transparent lid that closes up, and a membrane inside moving back and forth like a windshield wiper to keep the eye clean and moist. It can see a predator from two-and-a-half miles in daylight, and over 50 yards at night. Not exactly living life unaware, head in the sand.

Jesus made an interesting observation about the eye. He said, “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” What a great way to view the New Year — with a clear eye. Make beneficial changes. Address what needs resolving. Be willing to flee or fight or wait quietly — whatever is the good thing.

Not exactly your usual rally cry but see like an ostrich.