Consider the Birds

“Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.” Luke 12:22 MSG

One of the things that I enjoy about my home is the fact that I get to see lots of different kinds of birds. It’s common to see cardinals, warblers, and chickadees in the back, hummingbirds on the patio, woodpeckers in the front trees, and hawks swooping down along the thickets across the road.

Watching these creatures of the air brought me so much delight, that I decided to hang feeders in the back to attract them even more. Initially, I purchased some feeders from Walmart that were both simple and inexpensive. I filled them with food and went into the house excited about being able to see more birds in the morning while having my coffee. However, that was not the case. I found myself standing at the patio door banging and yelling for the squirrels to stop bogarting the feeders. Francis, my husband, was concerned that I was going to break the glass. To give him peace of mind, I stood guard outside on the patio to make sure the birds got to eat. There I would stand, still screaming at the squirrels to keep them at bay. One day, I was so bothered by those squirrels ruining what was supposed to be a peaceful and rewarding way for me to start my day that I yelled to the birds, “Band together and attack the squirrels! Remember, you have beaks!” Of course, Francis just shook his head at my antics. But I was serious! That food was for the birds and I wanted to make sure they got fed.

So, I went back to the store and bought more expensive feeders which were designed to make it more challenging for squirrels. Again, I happily hung my feeders that evening and looked forward to having my coffee and enjoying watching the birds eat their morning meal.

The next morning, I get my coffee and hurry to the patio door. Here we go again! Squirrels monopolizing the feeders! This was ruining my morning routine! How dare these doggone squirrels to continue upsetting my pleasure! I went out to the feeders and saw that the squirrels had utterly destroyed them. Long story short, we went through five types of feeders. By this time, my husband said, “P, This is the last go-round. “

So, we went to Lowes to take a look at their feeders. The sales associate identified one that was guaranteed to be squirrel-proof or your money back. Francis was on board until he looked at the price. He just couldn’t fathom paying that kind of money for bird feeders. I didn’t like the price either, but if they would ensure that my birds got to eat, I was buying them. We got home and filled the feeders. Although I was happy, that it was a quiet night at the Pendergrass house.

The next morning, I get my coffee with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I reminded the Father, of Francis’ feelings about the cost of the feeders and that I needed him to “help a sister out.” I needed those feeders to be worth the money spent. I went to the patio door and saw the most wonderful sight! The squirrels were trying all kinds of strategies to get to the food. They’d hang upside down and plop to the ground. They would jump from the top of the doghouse to the feeder to try to make it fall off the shepherd’s hook. They tried all kinds of antics for at least 45 minutes before giving up. Then the birds who had gathered to look at this foolish spectacle found their space on the feeders and enjoyed their meal.

Over the week, I noted the feeding pattern of my feathered friends. The male cardinal always came to the feeders first. He gave his call and out came the female and babies. Other birds made their way as well with the smaller ones eating from the feeders and the larger ones eating the crumbs from the master’s table. The squirrels found their place on the ground, eating crumbs along with them. This was the order of feeding established and is still true today.

As time passed, one particular morning, as I was enjoying my coffee and bird watching, I told Abba how happy I was to have found feeders which allowed my feathery friends to eat their fill unhindered. With that, He and I engaged in this conversation and he pointed out several factors that he wondered if I had recognized.

1. "Those birds had no clue about how important it was to me that they be adequately fed.

2. They did not keep count of how many feeders we had purchased, nor were they aware of much money we spent.

3. They had no clue that I nag my husband about going to Lowes to get bird food before we run out because I do not want them to miss a meal.

4. They had no clue about any of those things that concerned me. All they did was to come to the feeders each day with the expectation that just as they had food the day before, they would also have food today.”

This conversation brought Luke 12:22-32 to mind, where Jesus exhorted his disciples not to worry! Not to worry about their daily necessities or the things they needed for this life. He directed them to "Consider the birds of the air, they neither plant nor harvest; have no silos or barns to store up food, yet God feeds them." In my finite, human way of caring for the birds, I partnered with God to feed them and I was invested in them! How much more is the Father invested in caring for me, caring for us? That morning’s conversation corrected my posture of faith in God. I do not doubt that the Father is at work, behind the scenes taking good care of me and working things out that I am unaware of. That truth gives me peace, hope, and excitement!

Charles Hutchinson Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin wrote the song, His Eye Is on the Sparrow. I listened to it after our conversation and it had a fresh impact, especially the words, “For Jesus is my portion. A constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

Each morning I drink my coffee and watch my feathered friends enjoy their morning meal. I tell them, Dad is watching over both of us. Aren’t we blessed!

Abba Father,

Help me to always believe that you know how to provide for me. Bring quietness and calm to my heart as I cast all of my cares upon you.