Squawking Birds by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

Do you feel unloved? Forgotten?

The quiet of the lake beckoned me. I sat on a dock and prayed, listening to His voice. The slight wind rippled the water and swayed the water lilies and grasses. Great oak trees stood tall as if protecting the secluded lake. An occasional fish jumped and splashed in the water. Fluffy clouds floated in the bright blue sky.

A calmness overcame my soul. Seated on the weathered grey bench attached to the railing, I gazed around at the Lord’s creation. I took in deep breaths and let the weariness of the last few weeks slip away.

A terrible cold or the flu had taken its toll. I took a Covid test that came out negative. Chills, fever, headache, and cough had racked my body for three solid weeks. Finally, the last few days I seemed to be recovering. Only occasionally did I cough and the fever had long since left. Again, I thanked the Lord for his healing hand and provision. He had never left my side during my confinement to either the bed or the couch.

Squawking drew my attention to the large oaks. Scattered over the branches were some sort of black bird. They seemed to be talking all at once for a few minutes—almost like bickering. I wondered what they were talking about or deciding. A hush as dramatic as the squawking ascended into stillness as if someone had turned off a spotlight in the middle of the night.

Peace settled over the place.

Then, as if a choir director had waved his arms, the whole flock rose as one and soared through the sky in a great arc, then circled back to rest in the very top of the trees. Earlier, had they decided who would lead the dance?

I watched as the tree rested from the wrestling intruders. Tranquility wrapped itself around the lake and its bank.

Again, they flew as one in the same shape and back to perch, creating a black mantle on the leaves. Fascinating.

God loved those birds and created them with a sense of community and commonality. He had instilled in them migration needs and how to build protective nests and to care for their young. The Bible says, 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. (Matthew 10:29 NLT) So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:31 NLT) What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. (Luke 2:6 NLT) 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. (Luke 12:7 NLT)

God cares about His creation especially His children. We are loved by the Father and He takes a special interest in our lives. He numbers our hairs! On my head, He has to do a lot of adding and subtracting, moment by moment.

So take heart, you are loved and special in God’s eyes. He is interested in everything about you and your life. He wants an intimate relationship with you. He values you and wants to spend time with you.

Let Him. Pray. Talk to him as your friend. Reverence Him as your creator and Sovereign Lord and King of Kings. Remember that He knows you and cares deeply for you. Go ahead and climb onto His lap and lean in. Feel His loving arms around you. Whisper your innermost thoughts, pain, worry, and heartache. He understands and wants to carry your load.