Day 17 - Consider the Birds

Name:  Irene Matson (staff)

Scripture:

“Do not be anxious….your heavenly father knows you need all these things.” (Matthew 6: 25-34)

Reflections:

Observing birds can be inspiring.

I thought birds nervously flitted around all day, anxiously searching for sustenance.  You know, “the early bird gets the worm” and all that.  I was wrong.  Inquiring why my birdfeeder remained untouched, I was informed my seed was stale and no bird was going to eat it. Really? Birds, who are apparently cuisine snobs, discriminately survey which backyard buffet suits their taste that day.  Perhaps the chirping up on the telephone wire is a veritable bird food network, discussing their dining options?

They live as if God has generously provided their every need.

Curiously, I watched a hummingbird gingerly lower herself into the spray of my sprinklers, wings flapping and tail feathers spread.  Aha! I realized she viewed my sprinkler as God’s provision of her morning shower.

I am motivated by their confidence.

In a raging storm when all creatures should have taken shelter, I observed a small flock purposely, one by one, crossing the street, back and forth, reveling, it seemed, in the powerful gusts.  Like surfers who catch big waves in a storm, these frail sparrows were enjoying a ride on the wind. 

It occurs to me how unlike birds I am. I say I trust God but:

I worry about daily and future provisions.

I worry about where I will live…and shower!

And in the midst of my personal storms I never, ever, soar playfully in the wind.

Today, join me in obeying Jesus in this, and consider the birds.

Prayer for the Day:

“Lord, may I emulate the faith of birds! May I without anxiety, enjoy the ride through the calm and storms of my life confident that you have already provided all I need.”