“How do you do it?” I asked my dad. We were driving home from a social engagement in which we had run into one of his previous employees, someone who had embezzled money right out from under his nose. This person had posed as a friend but had been cheating him the whole time. My dad had been gracious and didn’t seem in the least bit phased by the unexpected  interaction that night. There was no animosity, no bitterness, no resentment or talk of revenge.

My dad just shrugged and said simply, “I’m in the catbird seat.” 

The catbird seat. It’s a popular idiom that has slid out of our everyday vernacular but still pops up now and then. Its meaning originates from an actual bird, a type of mockingbird that is known for perching high up in trees. The phrase was coined and popularized by the sports broadcaster Red Barber who used it to refer to the situation when a baseball player is up to bat and has three balls and no strikes. That put him in a great position – he was in the “catbird seat.”

When you think about it, doesn’t this perfectly describe us as Christians? We are all perched at the top of the tree! We are all sitting in a position of advantage. This isn’t a reason to feel boastful or arrogant; we didn’t get there on our own. But how blessed we are to be chosen by God to be in Christ, to “ have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬) 

Our culture today wants to brainwash us to take on the victim mentality. People seem quick to claim personal grievances. They often use words like “toxic” or “trauma” to make excuses for their behavior. They use social media to air their complaints against one another. They shift blame instead of claiming responsibility. Such a sad mentality.

What a different perspective we have as Christians. When we consider all we have been freely and generously given by God, how can we not be filled with gratitude and appreciation? How can we not in turn show grace and love when we feel slighted or offended?

When Jesus hung on the cross, He did not retaliate. He did not express anger or hatred. He showed nothing but forgiveness and love. Though hanging on a criminal’s instrument of shame, He was in the ultimate catbird seat.

God, I have been given so much – so many blessings that I did not earn and do not deserve. Thank you for the gift of salvation and all the promises it brings, including Your presence and guidance in my life. Let my blessings give me the ability to overlook the minor offenses that come my way and to live a life of grace towards others.