“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

“Nature always wears the colours of the spirit.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“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.”  – Matthew 6:26 NIV

When I lived in Cedar City, Utah, I caught these young kingbirds hanging around on the tree outside my apartment.  Their mother recently kicked them out of their nest after months of feeding, nurturing, and around-the-clock protection.  In a sweet and innocent way, they look a little confused and somewhat fearful – instinctively knowing that sticking together seemed to be the right thing to do in the moment. 

Can you imagine these plump little youngsters occupying one small nest!  It’s no wonder that mother kingbird felt it was time to get these guys out on their own.  The next few days and weeks will be filled with new learning, unanticipated dangers, and small steps toward independence.

At the time, I worked part-time doing grounds maintenance at the apartment complex and the return of the kingbirds in early spring was quite an event for me.  They liked to nest underneath the carports and in the many trees throughout the property.  Once their young are born, they are pretty fierce protectors of their offspring!  When you get close to a nest, the mother makes a loud fuss, hovering about ten feet above your head – always ready to swoop down and attack if she feels it necessary.  I can’t tell you how many times I took cover with my hands over my head when I accidentally got too close to a nest!  Even the roof of my golf cart had been pecked and brashly attacked as a way of saying, “Don’t get too close or you’ll have to answer to me!”

As I took pictures of these cute little guys on their historic day, I thought a lot about how God teaches us lessons via His creation. 

We Need to Stick Together when Life gets Confusing or Frightening.

As I mentioned earlier, when they experienced the trauma of getting kicked out of the nest, these youngsters instinctively knew the importance of being together.  What’s funny is that sitting together on the same branch wasn’t good enough.  They were so close together you couldn’t squeeze a leaf between them!  They needed the reassurance of someone RIGHT NEXT TO THEM – feeling their warmth and immediate presence.

During that period of time, my own life had become confusing and fearful – wondering what lied in store for me in the days and weeks ahead.  I remember how my family made me feel like the middle bird in the picture – closely protected on all sides!  Through their calls, their support and assistance, I felt surrounded by the comfort and security of their presence.

The Bible tells us to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Galatians 6:2)  Christ instructed us to “Love each other as I have loved you.”  (John 15:12)  When life feels confusing or uncertain, we need to seek the refuge of family and friends.  In turn, we need to quickly huddle close to our loved ones during difficult times – being there to provide support and comfort for them in time of need. 

Do you know of someone who is hurting or afraid?  Is there someone in your life right now who is unsure of what lies ahead or needs your comfort and support?   If so, be like the kingbirds and get close to them – so close that you couldn’t fit a leaf between the two of you!  Doing so places you squarely and firmly in the middle of God’s Will for your life!  

God Presence is Always with Us

As I took the photos that day, I noticed the mother kingbird sitting on the roof of the apartment building across the parking lot.  On a normal day, she would have hovered over me – scolding me for getting too close.  But that particular day you could tell she was restraining her behavior.  Deep down she wanted to come to the rescue but knew instinctively that it was best to observe things from a distance.  If she jumped in now, her youngsters wouldn’t experience what they needed to in that moment.  She knew they needed to deal with my presence on their own.  I’m pretty sure if I got closer or she sensed that it was too dangerous, she would have rushed right over.  They didn’t even realize she was there, but in reality; she was only a short flight away.

As I observed this, I thought about how God watches over each of us – often without our awareness or conscious thought.  These little youngsters felt abandoned, but that was far from the truth.  God tells us “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  We may feel alone or abandoned, confused or fearful, but the truth is that God is an “ever present help in time of trouble”. (Psalm 46:1)

God Knows What’s Best for Us    

I never realized that birds could have a confused, fearful look on their face 🙂 Sadly, if these little ones could talk, I’m sure they would have said,

“What just happened?  One minute we were being fed, all comfy and cozy in our nest, and the next minute …WHAM!  No more feedings, no comfy bed, and no more Mom!”

I’m sure they thought the recent events of the day looked pretty bleak, but little did they realize that what was taking place was for their ultimate good and well-being.  Mother kingbird knew it was time for them to grow and learn on their own.  If she didn’t keep her distance, the little ones wouldn’t be able to eventually fend for themselves.

I thought about all the times in my own life that I wondered what was happening – why God would allow such awful things to occur.  Through the years, I’ve realized that God had my best interests at heart the entire time.  He knew that hardship would grow my faith and character.  He knew that pain and heartache would draw me closer to Him.  While I was confused and fearful, He was continually focused on my well-being.

Are you currently experiencing hardship and suffering?  Are you thinking God has abandoned you?  Trust that He has your best interests at heart.  Don’t confuse your current situation with God’s absence or disregard.  Trust that He knows what is best in the long run!

The Smallest of Details are in the Loving Hands of God.

I have to be honest.  As I observed these youngsters, my heart went out to them – worrying about how they would make it.  Would all four survive being on their own?  Would mother kingbird be able to intervene in the lives of all four at the same time?

As I sat there thinking about this, I was reminded of this Bible verses:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father.” – Matthew 10:29 NIV

These youngsters not only had mother kingbird watching over them, but God Himself was aware of their presence and needs.

Too often we forget about God’s power and control over all things.  Our loving God is mindful of the smallest details!  If He is watchfully caring for these tiny kingbirds, how can He not be interested in the intricate details of your own life?  Trust in His love for you and all His creation!

I remember looking out my window as the sun was setting that night.  The young kingbirds were gone, but the lessons I learned from them won’t soon be forgotten.

God bless!