Just outside our kitchen window, we have a grove of trees where the birds love to congregate. We have a couple of bird feeders there, one of which is fashioned like a church building. The birds like to congregate on the porch while they peck at the seed provided there. In the winter time we also hang from the tree branches colorful netting bags containing tallow and seed “bird balls” which we obtain at a local meat market. We very much enjoy watching the chickadees, sparrows, blue jays, and woodpeckers, and feel gratified that we are able to contribute to their warmth and well being.
As it happened, this last winter, the place was literally taken over by a meddlesome squirrel. Now, squirrels are fascinating little creatures, and it is also entertaining to watch their antics as they dart up and down the branches. Unfortunately, this little intruder had no time for our birds and we watched him, several times, literally chase the birds away, until none would venture back to feed. As fun as it was to watch the squirrel, we missed the birds and finally, taking matters into our own hands, we trapped the intruder and moved him to another part of the country where we trust he was able to re-settle in comfort.
As a result, I am happy to say that our birds are back. In previous summers, I have heard the cheery notes of a bird that, to my knowledge, I have never seen. I suspect it might be a wood sparrow. I hope that this summer my little friend will return and sing to me again. I have found the notes of its song on the piano. They are B, A, and F-sharp. The last note is usually repeated five times, although that can vary, and I imagine that the different repetitions each mean something different in its native language. When I whistle the little tune, I do believe it answers me. I finally set it to words:
In this wide and wondrous world
I am just a little bird,
But my Father cares for me
As He promised in His word.
There are numerous verses about birds, many of which have a message relevant to the human experience:
I heard a bird at break of day sing from the autumn trees
A song so musical and calm, so full of certainties,
I think no one could listen long – except upon his knees;
And that was just a simple bird alone among dead trees!
And this one: Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush around and worry so?”
Said the sparrow to the robin
“Friend, I think that it must be
They have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me!”
Didn’t Jesus say, “Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge (and participating presence)? The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Never be afraid, then – you are far more valuable than many sparrows!” (Matt. 10:29-31) SO -
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav’n and Home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear;
Tho’ by the path He leads me, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing and hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
- AND YOU!
“May God, the giver of HOPE,
fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him—
so that you may have abundant HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13 Weymouth)
In Agape, Eulene
