Should I or Shouldn’t I?

By Scott D. Zachary

I have a decision to make, with which I am having a little difficulty. I have a 24-foot cabin cruiser that I plan to donate to some charity, perhaps the Salvation Army. The problem that I am having is when to donate my boat. You see, a family of beautiful blue birds recently moved into my boat’s exhaust pipe and winter has already begun to set in.

My boat sits next to my office window where I am able to watch these glorious birds come and go. The blue on the males’ wings has to be the prettiest blue that I’ve ever seen. A very good friend of mine, Ed, was here to visit for Thanksgiving and we brushed his lovable dog, Rufus (Woofie), outside my office. I smile every time one of these birds lights on the back of my boat with a beak full of Woofie’s hair to line their nest with. It is such a joy watching them. I suppose being able to watch them periodically throughout the day while I work at my desk is the biggest thing holding me back, along with my abhorrence at the idea of destroying their home, especially as cold as it is.

One consideration in favor of donating my boat now is that many needy people and maybe even homeless people might be helped sooner than later. As well, the boat may be worth a little less when the charity sells it after one more winter just sitting in the weather.

There is another factor that I should consider. I’ve had a good year in my business, and I could definitely use the tax write-off before the end of the year. But God has blessed us with plenty of everything, so maybe this isn’t such a big consideration.

Should I donate my boat now and kick the beautiful blue birds out of their brand-new home or should I wait until spring?