a fable
Pilgrim Pigeon really wanted to see God. When he told other pigeons that was all he really wanted, they would look at him like he was deluded. “Look, God is all right for humans, but when is He there for pigeons?” they would ask.
This would perplex Pigeon. “Look around you, did you make this? Do you think humans (God bless their garbage) made this? Well, do you?” And the pigeons would say, “Yeah, yeah, go look for God you knucklehead, we got serious work to do.”
Pilgrim Pigeon didn’t give up. When the other pigeons went to the park for crumbs, he set out on a lifetime voyage. He went to the harbor, avoided the seagulls who will eat anything they can fit in their mouths, and found a ship sailing to The Holy Land. He stowed away.
Stowing away meant either starving or finding food. At first, Pilgrim Pigeon would creep out from his hiding place to look for crumbs. All the time, he would say, “God I pray this is worth it. God, I hope I get to see you.”
After time, Pilgrim Pigeon grew hungrier and bolder. He started venturing out on the deck during the day. He wanted, he needed to see the Sun. Plus, crumbs were more plentiful during the day.
People noticed Pilgrim Pigeon. How could a pigeon be so far from shore? They took pictures and shared them.
Other people said, what is vermin like that doing on this holiday ship that is supposed to be spotless otherwise my money is not well spent and I must complain? They complained to the Captain, demanding the Pigeon had to go.
The Captain decreed the first crewmember to catch “Pigeon” (the Captain didn’t know Pilgrim’s name, he just meant the only pigeon on the ship) “Dead or Alive” (which everyone knew meant Dead) would be granted a bonus.  Pilgrim’s days were numbered from then on.
It was only a matter of time. One day Pilgrim Pigeon saw a mound of crumbs on the deck and ran at them only to find he was stuck. The crewmember who laid the trap, moved in quickly, grabbed Pilgrim Pigeon and snapped his neck. That turned out to be a big mistake. One of the paying guests took a photo, posted it and it went viral.
Suddenly the ship was the S.S. Pigeon Kill and sales tanked for the cruise line.
To appease the mob, the Captain was fired, but it was too late. Opinion found everyone guilty, especially the man who snapped Pigeon’s neck. He was socially shunned and shamed by his wife and children, which made domestic life very difficult.
Pilgrim Pigeon awoke looking into the loving eyes of God. “God, is that you?” said Pilgrim. “Yes, it’s really me,“ said God. “Really?” said Pilgrim. “Yes, really,” said God. “Really?” God laughed, “Here faithful Pilgrim Pigeon, I have shining raiment for you and a perfect little crown.” “For me?” said Pigeon. “Really,” said God.
Pilgrim Pigeon looked at his shining raiment and perfect little crown in a little mirror that appeared the instant he wanted to see himself. He looked grand.
“Umm, God, there’s one thing,” Pilgrim said.
“What is it?” asked God (knowing full well what Pilgrim wanted).
“It’s just there are so many things I planned to do before I died, and, well, I would really like another shot at it. Life you know.”
God sighed, waved and Pilgrim disappeared.
Pilgrim Pigeon didn’t make it 5 seconds. Coming back from God’s presence, remembering his raiment and little crown, Pilgrim felt very special. He paraded grandly across a busy street waiting for everyone to notice him. No one did, especially the driver of the large truck that flattened him.
God was there with Pilgrim’s shining raiment and crown; Pilgrim said “One more shot!” God sighed.
Second time, Pilgrim was very careful. This time he made it about 3 weeks. He was fulfilling his bucket list wish to fly over the Grand Canyon when an eagle got him.
God was waiting.
“Listen, that one was so close. I just need to experience a little more, Plus there’s this little hen …” God sighed and waved.
This time, things had changed. The little hen was gone. The world seemed worse than before. Darker, meaner. Pilgrim went looking for food in some park. It was late and the light wasn’t so good. There was a big mound of crumbs on the ground. Pilgrim ran straight at them. And he was stuck.
“Not again,” Pilgrim thought. Then the man came to get him and Pilgrim’s last thought was, “Hey, you look kind of familiar.” Pilgrim’s neck was wrung and he made a tasty meal for the homeless guy living in the park. You know who I’m talking about.
Pilgrim Pigeon awoke in front of giant Pearly Gates.
“Hey Pilgrim Pigeon,“ said Saint Peter.
“Wait. Who are you?”
“I’m St. Peter.”
“Where’s God? He always sees me,” said Pilgrim Pigeon.
“Pilgrim, previously you jumped the line and went to God directly, which not everyone does. God’s well aware you’re here but priorities require He be elsewhere. He has provided a suitable position for you within the Greater Choir of Pigeons, where joining in song, you will be relieved of all your sorrows and wants.”
“But what about my crown and shining raiment?”
“They’re at the cleaners. Here’s a halo and some wings.”
“But, I already got wings.”
St. Peter looked at Pilgrim Pigeon, sighed and said, ”Kid, put on the halo and wings.”
Moral: When you find your heart’s desire, don’t try to improve it.
Alt moral: pigeons bother everyone and can even test the patience of God