“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.” Matthew 10:29
Birds!
I’ve had quite the experience with the birds on my deck. Mind you, most of the woes are my own doing, as I’ve tried to create a happy haven for backyard songbirds. We feed them seed, water them, and in their minds, we’ve provided “greens”. Thus, all my potted plants are fair game on the bird menu.
Last year, I eventually covered my plants with netting, which helped somewhat. That is until one wily, little fella got himself stuck in the net. Oh, the squawking that went on! I pried his flailing wings and feet out of a tangle of net, while his tiny heartbeat felt like a bass drum in my hand. Poor thing He flew off, none the worse for wear, but I secretly hoped he’d learned his lesson (doubtful!)
This year, the tug-of-war over the plants continues. Last winter, our area’s surprise snowfall, or “snow-mageddon” as some have dubbed it, must have produced exceptionally ravenous birds, which have inundated our yard.
A few days ago, a Plain Titmouse (yes, their real name), smacked my window, and I ran out to see what I could do to help. Smoothing his feathers, I gently picked him up, but he looked pretty woozy, so I set him up on the picnic table to recuperate.
Later on, the bird hadn’t moved much, so I went out to see if he was going to be okay. Cradling him in my palms, I thought about the verse that says God cares even for the tiniest sparrow that falls “… and not one of them is forgotten before God”, (Luke 12:6), and said a little prayer. Stroking his tiny head, he suddenly began coming around. He soon flapped his wings and took flight—well, not before leaving his somewhat messy “calling card”—right there in the palm of my hand. Nice. He then proceeded to hop into a flowerpot and chow down on some new seedlings. WOW.
You know, not everyone in our lives that we try to help will return to give thanks, or even be particularly grateful. I’ve known folks who, due to addictions or other problems in their lives, just don’t seem to recognize or appreciate just how far others have bent to help them. I can only believe and pray that they will someday see God’s good plan for them. In the meantime, God says to be His hands and feet anyway. We are called to see the need, seek God’s wisdom in the matter, and meet it in the ways He shows.
“Thank You, Lord, for the animal kingdom You’ve given that helps teach us Your ways. You are patient, You are kind, and hold all creatures gently in the palm of Your hand. Open our eyes to see how to be a help to those around us, even when they may not appreciate it. Amen!”
Every little bit helps! I say ,’Thank you for the rescuers!’ all the time!
Right on!
Great lessons here. I think sometimes we are the birds in our own ways of taking God and His blessings for granted and then leaving our messes behind for Him to clean up.
Love this ❤️. Thank you.
Reminds me of the many birds that were able to fly away, after flying into a huge glass door, after a little sugar water from a dropper. I love your devotional, you have quite the sense of humor 😇
Yes, I’ve learned that often giving a helping hand may surely leave unexpected mess. But having been wired to help, I’ve been learning that I need to really check with the Lord and limit what I do and let Him finish it. I’m sure we aren’t to just sit and watch but be hands and feet–which means you may get a bit messy.
This warms my heart as I “re-live” my time ‘house and pet sitting’ for my daughter and husband over the years, while enjoying their lush gardens, front view from the home office window; and the rear view from many vantage points, e.g. kitchen, family room, living room and master bedroom, and the deck which had the picnic table. The smell of roses and gardenias, and the colorful hydrangeas, and the full grapevines outside the kitchen window (much fun to see while doing dishes); and the birds! Oh how I love the birds and to this day surround myself with anything and everything to connect me to them. Right now, it is hummingbird feeders on my patio, and ‘sadly’ there have been a couple who have not survived and, I too, go back to the scriptures and am reminded that God has not forgotten any of these little ones, let alone, me and my loved ones.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience, and God Bless you all.