Matthew 6:25-27 – Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 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? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (NIV)

Springtime brings feathered friends to our feeder. We still see some of the winter birds, but the little birds are returning and flocking to our feeder. To name just a few, we see finches in a variety of colours, woodpeckers, juncos, chickadees, and my personal favourite, the chipping sparrow.

I remember the first time when I saw this bird with a distinct red patch on its head and wondered what it could be. An Internet search gave me my answer — it was a chipping sparrow. Well, that added to my delight, as my long-time favourite hymn is God sees the little sparrow fall written by Maria Straub in 1874. When I was a child, oh, so long ago, this was a regular children's hymn during our weekly church service. Along with its easy-to-remember lyrics, it has a catchy little tune composed by Solomon W. Straub. I remember that I marvelled at the words of this song that showed how God knew me, loved me, and cared for me — ME — just a little child! I sang along loudly with the congregation this favourite song of mine, and although I know that I was usually off key, I certainly sang happily with joy in my heart. My sighting of the chipping sparrow brings back that wonder of my childhood.

The words and meaning of this song have resonated with me into adulthood. God shows us in the symbol of our feathered friends that He loves us and will care for us, so we do not have to worry. He will take care of us through all the trials and tribulations in life. Life never goes smoothly, as much as we may plan otherwise: illness, death of a loved one, relationship issues, financial woes, and more, but we can trust that God will take care of us through everything that life throws at us, and we need not worry or be afraid.

Matthew 10:29-31 – 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. (NLT)

Prayer: Thank You, God, for the symbol of Your love and care for us, every moment, every day, as we see our feathered friends and nature all around us. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Nettle <sharonnettle7@gmail.com>
Keady, Ontario, Canada
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