His Eye is on the Sparrow...

I grew up singing hymns in church.  There were a few that grated my nerves, especially when a strong-voiced woman behind me would use every ounce of passion she had and belt out the words to a song in her off-key soprano voice.  But even then, I would find myself lost in the music and many of these hymns pop into my brain at the most interesting times.  I find great comfort in some of the lyrics and I feel connected to my childhood when I hear them.

Lately, I have found great joy in watching the birds around my home.  I have often seen robins, ravens, sparrows and chickadees.  Sometime last year I started to really pay attention to them and found myself filled with a peace and joy while watching them flitter about.  So, one day, a few months ago, I went out and got a feeder to try it out and see if I could attract any of them around. It's just a simple, clear feeder that attaches to the window.  I put my feeder on and waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Two weeks went by and not one bird.  My friend encouraged me.  She said the birds just needed to find it.  Be patient.  Sure enough, by week three I spotted my first bird!  It was like I hit the jackpot I was so excited.

But that's not the best part.  One day when I looked over there was a bird there that took my breath away...a cardinal!  I knew they were around, but I had never seen one at my house.  It was amazing.  I watched him (her?) feed and could hear his (her?) chirps and songs clearly.  Day after day the birds came.  At first, one at a time, but then I spotted two at a time feeding and that was delightful to watch!  I was hooked, and now I wanted to buy more feeders and a bird bath.

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it did.  Another beautiful bird showed up that I had not seen around - a blue jay!  Here he is in the back yard.

And here is the cardinal.  See the sparrow trying to bully him?  Every time I see these birds I am reminded of the verse from Matthew, chapter 6, verse 26.  "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?" 

And I smile, and I pause, and I hear the words of the song, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."  And I know.  :)