"Look, Kathy! A blue jay!" 
"That's a first."
"Oh, look! There's that red-headed woodpecker again."
Just this week those words bounced off the window panes at our bay window as our back yard bird feeders offered up colorful glimpses into God's creation. Flanking our feathered friends I see orange hibiscus, trumpeting His glory too.
I'm not quite sure when I became a nature lover but it was in recent years. Knowing that, our Katy and Dave gave us a huge book called Bird Songs Bible. On each page you can press a button and hear the calls of 728 birds. Don't miss the brief video demonstrating a few bird calls from the book at the end. We've even had live birds talk back to the book!
We're bird nerds! Officially. Cameras and binoculars included.
Daily, from my sofa, I simply turn my head to the left and am filled with wonder. Purple petunias nod at me, grape vines curl hellos, the birds flutter, flinging bird seed, squirrels invade (aggravating me and the birds!) So maybe my nature loving is selective. I admit it. I'm prejudiced.
Recently I pondered why this scene infuses me. 
I realized that many times two Scripture passages bob around in my head as I watch.Matthew 6:26-28
New International Version (NIV)
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Matthew 10:29-31
New International Version (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
So when I find myself fretting over basics of life, I'm reminded in living color. . .that's God's business! Quit worrying, Kathy! And I do. It's a recurring moment of releasing myself or my fears into God's loving care.
I love the second verse too:
This is my Father's world.
The birds their carols raise.
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their Maker's praise.
So do I! So should you!
Praising Him,
Kathy
Promise:
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Bird book video:
My sister-in-love emailed me:
ReplyDeleteI also like the phrase,“And though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” Probably not word for word but you hit a soft spot with me. I’m a “birder” from way back. I remember Mama and I would sit on the front porch and watch the birds eating from her feeder, and singing as well. God’s ways are indescribable—how awesome He is to create such a world!! Many mornings with coffee in hand, sitting on the back deck, I worship and praise our Lord with the birds in the background. Thank you for allowing God to use you in His own way!
Love you
Carol