I've been watching them since last fall when, for the first time, I planted a shepherd's crook outside my front window and hung a bird feeder. There's a quiet joy watching these little creatures up close, flitting and swooping and eating. Every week I fill up the tube, and every day I see how much they've eaten. Now my late husband was a real birder. Even after giving multiple bird books away, we still have enough to fill a library shelf along with several pairs of binoculars. He joined the Audubon Society and took regular bird walks. He practiced learning the calls and songs of the local birds. Sometimes he took the girls with him on his birding trips, where they not only learned about various birds but also plants and flowers. One day he and I got a close-up look at an eagle flying over our heads.
Birding was always his "thing," so for me to venture into his territory made me feel a little intimidated. At the same time, perhaps in a very miniscule way, I felt I was carrying on his legacy. As the months have passed, enjoying the birds has become increasingly more than that for me. Watching the black-eyed chickadees and sparrows brings peace and reassurance to my heart. I gather courage from them when I feel afraid, when I face yet another decision, and when my faith falters. Each time I pause at the window, I remember the words of Jesus when He said,
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? . . . Therefore do not be anxious . . .
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 6:26, 31; 10:29-31
Jesus, the ultimate story teller, knew how to take the common everyday things of life and draw spiritual truth from them. These constant reminders have a wonderful way of giving us perspective and inviting us to trust Him.
So, whether you're a real birder or just a novice like me, there's hope to be found in nature's object lessons all around us.
Just look at the birds!
This past week, I looked out our front window and a shadow crossed tree trunks, catching my eye. I wondered, "What produced that?" I looked up and 3 huge dark birds circled effortlessly. They had white heads. Eagles! Three of them! Over my glade! They spiraled up and then flew over the wooded hill behind my house. God blessed me with an inspiring reminder of Him.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a memorable moment, Lisa.
DeleteThanks for this simple yet thought provoking reminder of God's love and provision. It was a blessing for me to read this morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cheryl. God reminds us of His faithfulness in simple ways . . .
DeleteI love bird watching and remember learning a thing or two from Barry anout birds native to our area. Its marvellous how God reveals Himself and His truths through creation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I think Barry would have enjoyed watching the birds this past winter. We have a feeder outside the dining room window, but the birds seem to like the front better, probably because of the bushes that provide protection. Perhaps there's a lesson in that, too.
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