Snow showers began early that January morning.
I shuffled to the garage and scooped generous amounts of birdseed into feeders, placing my offerings with eagerness. They may need this today, I thought. Snow—and later, ice—may cover their usual food supply.
I expected dozens of feathered flitters to swoop down and battle over my gift. But nothing. I peeked out my kitchen window once, twice, a dozen times. Then another dozen times.
Late in the afternoon, a dozen tiny grey finches finally appeared, along with a pair of cardinals, and accepted my tasty nutritious birdseed. Snow had fallen most of the day, but that seed had sat untouched for nine hours. Why?
I speculated all day. Are the birds letting fear of larger birds, squirrels, or prowling cats keep them away? Had they studied the yard and worried about the lack of vegetation in which to hide? Or were they simply confident in their ability to take care of themselves?
As they dove into my offerings, my heart warmed. They had allowed me to help them. Perhaps my gift would even mean their survival through the frigid night.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! When those birds were no-shows for so many hours, I recalled this verse where God, perhaps in a plaintive voice and with a heavy heart, confronted His people’s stubbornness.
The Word of God is flavorful and nourishing, even life-giving. God offers the Bible as one of His gifts, but we sometimes leave it untouched. As I waited for birds to accept my proffered seeds, I imagine God may watch for us to take in the Bible’s food.
Perhaps God also peeks out a window, hoping we remember He offers a listening ear for whatever concerns may plague us. Prayer is another gift we often overlook.
Like those needy little songbirds, show up and dive into God’s Word and prayer. It may be twilight, but you’ll still warm His heart.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
A Wisconsin native, Lauri Lemke Thompson appreciates living with her husband in the lovely Ozark mountains in Branson, Missouri. She is active in Christian Women’s Connection (Stonecroft) and the Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers. Her two books, Hitting Pause and Pressing Forward, are collections of her columns, articles, and devotions. Her bimonthly column appears in the Branson Globe newspaper.