100 years ago, miners would carry caged canaries down into the mine tunnels with them. If dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide collected in the mine, the gases would kill the canary before killing the miners, thus providing a warning to exit the tunnels immediately. The idea for this was first proposed around 1913 and continued well into the 20th century.
Carbon monoxide. The silent killer.
Canaries. The early warning system.
We all need canaries to warn us of the silent killers in our lives.
Because we’ve all got some carbon monoxide, some silent killers, haven’t we?
Silent, seething envy.
Jealousy.
Discontent.
Pride.
Competitiveness.
A need for approval.
Greed.
Anxiety.
Addiction.
The list goes on.
Some days I feel like I have a lot of carbon monoxide. A lot of poison in my system.
I’ve had to work hard at allowing some canaries into my life. People who will warn me about the silent killers.
My wife Candice, who knows me best and loves me most deeply. She’s always the first to see me starting to stagger with the effects of a silent killer.
Good friends, leaders and men and fathers who love me and speak into my life.
Scripture that lives and breathes and speaks to me with the whispers of the Holy Spirit.
My psychologist, who regularly helps me check my head and my heart.
What’s your poison? And who’s your canary?
Byron Chicken 