Throughout the summer, early morning birdsongs often welcome us into the day. I’m learning to recognize many of the varied species and sounds of the birds right in my own backyard.
Our friend Rich S. has helped me appreciate our feathered friends much more. A retired outdoor educator, Rich now takes groups on nature walks, or “birding” expeditions, watching and listening for up to 50 different species on an outing!
Earlier this summer, I discovered the piping plover on the beaches of Maine. Signs instructed visitors to stay away from restricted areas where the birds were nesting.
Unlike many species, plover parents don’t bring food back to the nest for their young. Rather, the chicks head out along the shoreline right after birth to forage for food themselves, up until about four weeks when they can fly.
When I spotted one of these frail little creatures scurrying along the shoreline at low tide, I thought how amazing it is that they survive. I then recalled the subzero days last winter, when I saw small fragile birds gathering at our feeder and flitting across the snow.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus reminds us of how valuable we are to God by illustrating simple truths from nature. As the baby plover doesn’t go uncared for, so God promises to provide for us.
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? (Matthew 6:25-26)
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
When needs surface, it seems our default setting often is to worry rather than to trust God. But the truth is God provides for the birds of the field!
If His smallest of creatures’ needs are met, how much more can and will He provide for His most valued ones—us!
How wonderful it is that God has put birds everywhere. Whether you live in the inner city, a small town, a rural farm, or the North woods, you will hear and see these creatures.
Observing the birds around you can serve as a daily invitation to trust God—and a reminder of how valuable you are to Him.
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton
Thanks Cheryl! I have always noticed the sweet singing of birds, but have not usually thought about them as being God’s “reminder” of His provision for our lives. Sometimes the birds even wake me up in the predawn hours of summer, and it used to annoy me. Maybe instead of being bothered by this “dawn chorus”, I should praise God that He is reminding me that He has not forgotten me and will take care of me no matter what problems I happen to be facing each day.
I love how Jesus uses these simple reminders from nature to speak to us all. Thanks, Ken.
Hi again Cheryl – I remembered something my Father once told me. Just some brief background about my dad. He was an alcoholic for many years. But once after being hospitalized for about a week, he quit drinking completely. He went through the withdrawals that heavy drinkers go through, then he was fine. After being back home a few weeks, he started seeing and hearing things he had never noticed before in the mornings, like the birds singing! Wow! Now that was kinda nice, and they sang every morning! He Loved it! He told me years later that that experience was like being born again. Funny how birds singing can positively affect someone – and they are everywhere!
That’a a wonderful story. Thanks, Tony!
Hi Cheryl – Thank you for the reminder that God supplies all our needs. The quote from scriptures you gave, along with the little background on the piping plover, really enhanced the point you made about God supplying everything we need all the time! And whenever we allow God to work in our lives ~ He does terrific things! God Bless!
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” ― C. S. Lewis
I was listening to the birds this morning, remembering God’s love and provision – always within reach, if we care to seek it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love the quote.