“There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” Matthew 6:26 Message
As I sat this morning, all cozy and warm in front of the fire, I watched the birds outside of my window. Feasting at my feeder were vibrant bluejays, competitive grosbeaks, the dancing chickadees, and the beautifully decorated finches. On the ground eating what the others dropped were juncos, doves, pine siskins, and my pet squirrel. The outside temperature was cold and crisp, yet they seemed completely undeterred by the frosty air that surrounded them. They sang a joyful song, they shared a common tree, and took turns nibbling at the seeds that would provide them nourishment for today. I have watched many of these birds over and over again as part of my morning routine. They never seem to show up grumpy. They have never failed to come without a new song. Even days when the feeder has been running low on seed, I would still hear their song echoing through the air. They have never complained about the type of seed I offer them, they just show up, feast, and sing. That is what birds do. They remind us that every day brings a reason to sing. Every moment provides an opportunity to praise, to lift ones voice and declare your Creator.
These birds also remind me of God’s personal care. They don’t stress when the feeder is a bit low. They just keep coming, and what was almost empty today, is filled fresh and new again tomorrow. They don’t cry because it is cold, they just sing and let the crisp, cool air carry their song farther. They aren’t worried about their lives. It is like they know a secret, their lives are not self contained, but kept by someone greater. They don’t worry, because their Creator can be trusted to care for them. Not one falls to the ground that He does not see. Of all the bird of the air, not one, not a single bird’s fall is out of God’s sight. He not only sees them, but He provides for them. I know we know this, but the next time you see a finch remember if God puts within that bird the nature to trust Him, how can we not trust?
I have always been told trust is earned, trust is a feeling, trust is whatever you want to call it, but I am beginning to believe something very different. Trust is a choice. We have all been hurt and there are times when we feel that trust has been broken. Yet, even in my brokenness , I can still choose to trust. This trust is about trusting God. When I trust Him, I don’t have to try and figure it all out. Then I don’t have to stress over the things of life. I can believe that He really will care for this life whether I am feasting at His feeder or eating the crumbs dropped by the feasters. He is caring for me. This kind of trust produces gratitude. Gratitude will find its voice in a song, a praise, or a declaration of my Creator.
Today I am grateful for the birds and their song. I am thankful that they are a reminder to me of God’s personal care and provision. I am blessed because there is not a detail of my life that misses His attention. I am grateful for the freedom of choice. I can choose to trust and throw away every excuse for not being a woman of gratitude.