I’ve written 2,816 blogs. And I know my most written about subjects (other than my grandchildren) are birds. I’ve written about how annoying they can be like those who kept making nests on my front porch and their droppings were everywhere. I’ve written about the treasured cardinals who made their homes in trees outside my bedroom window just after my sweetheart left for heaven. And I wrote about how dumb they could be when they kept power-crashing into my windows thinking they saw another cardinal in their reflection. I wrote about the doves and their gentle cooing and calm and their little family’s nest built on my back porch fireplace vent. So, of course, when it came to my new place where birds aren’t quite as abundant, I added birds to my décor.
Yesterday morning, I laid down across my bed to “ice” that knee that has given me some trepidation. As I look up at my bedroom wall, I see the framed picture of an eagle in flight that my mother-in-law gave me. The scripture with it is Isaiah 40:31 -- “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (“Lord, I know You see me waiting for my healing!”) “They shall mount up with wings as eagles and they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (“Lord, You know how much I want to get back to playing pickleball and my morning work-outs!”). Oh, the lessons I learn and the little talks with Jesus that makes everything alright!
I use this “awakening” to consider God’s loving ways of speaking to me. I think about the wall hanging of gold birds in flight that I purchased at a furniture store. It was on the floor behind the cashier’s area. I asked about it. The cashier said they were asked to hold it for a customer but never returned for it. I claimed it as mine. Then, I looked online for a canvas painting with the colors I decorated with – blues, oranges, and whites. I found it online – and it included doves flying! Welcome, Holy Spirit!
Recently, a friend and I went to Panera Bread for lunch. It was a beautiful day, so we sat out on their patio. We were amused as birds were scampering around for the crumbs on the ground, as well as hopping on tables to grab some delicacies left by previous guests. I said to my friend: “Just look at those privileged birds. They know where to go for their daily ‘bread’.” My friend responded: “I’m not so sure they’re all that privileged. Those who live daily for the Father’s bread are much more privileged!” Indeed, we are privileged to be children of God Who daily offers us so many blessings, but maybe it’s a matter of being present to recognize them.
There are over 300 references to birds in the Bible. In fact, Jesus used birds in many of his illustrated sermons to explain God’s love for us. He said in Matthew 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Jesus was so good at analogies! This one meant that if God cares for the birds, how much more does He care about us. It doesn’t mean that we won’t experience stuff -- like this knee of mine. But it does mean we should be care-free because God’s great plans for us are good. His care for us will sustain us throughout our lives, because “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Like the birds.....we are privileged!
