A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. It’s an idiom that means what you have is more valuable than what you don’t have or what you want.
According to a website about the origins of phrases, idioms, sayings and expressions, The Phrase Finder, this idiom dates back to at least the medieval era when the falcon at hand was more valuable than the prey, or the birds in the bush. Throughout the years since then, there have been many forms of this phrase used to demonstrate that what you have can be more valuable than what you seek.
We are all guilty of that nagging feeling of want without realizing all that we have. And I am not talking about only material possessions. For instance, local charities and organizations are always looking donations. Sometimes we think we can’t donate to charity; that we don’t have enough money; that we don’t have a lot to give.
But we do have things to give. Time, money, expertise, knowledge, wisdom, a smile, a listening ear, a gentle touch, extra food, extra clothing, toys we don’t play with anymore, technical skills, etc. Next time a charity calls or you see posters seeking donations, try to think of the birds you have at hand. If you can’t donate money, what can you give?
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Nice thoughts. Thanks for the info about the saying. I had never associated it with falconry – interesting.
As you say…”a smile”… a sincere smile is a big thing!. A smile that is shared to someone in need can heal the heart. A reflective smile in the mirror at oneself can also set the pace for a good day of experience.
You’re right!
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Very good because their are lots of ways to give. You can walk down a road and pick up trash and you are giving.
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