My list of things for the birds includes:

• Football
• High heels
• Gravy

I see little good in any of them. Neither do I understand why anyone likes them. Yet, you may enjoy all three.

Anything for the birds has little or no value.

We consider it:

• Undesirable
• Nonsense
• A waste of time

For the birds can also mean something is:

• Stupid
• Boring
• Frustrating
• Annoying

This phrase may refer to birds picking seeds out of horse manure.

Probably none of us want to do that. I love the country and long walks in the middle of nowhere.  Yet, I prefer to stay away from manure.

Although I don’t like to be near manure, it does have value. Manure provides a natural fertilizer for the soil. Some people buy it, so it is not just for the birds after all.

Perhaps we need to be careful what we consider for the birds.

What we think worthless may be a blessing in disguise.

However, I still don’t like football, high heels, or gravy.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (Psalm 119:37 NIV).

Thanks to Melissa Graham for the suggestion.

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.