Birds.
Can I talk about these brilliant creatures for a moment?
Growing up I used to play with mourning doves. Not in a mean way, but I would sit in my backyard, on a swing and listen to the songs they sang to each other. And as time went on, I would sing back to them. So much so that they would come fly towards me, see it was me making the song and then decide to fly off.
As I grew up, my Dad adopted these birds as his own. His special gift from the Lord, and we would see them all over the place. He would see them wherever he went. And it was a constant reminder to him of the Lord's presence. It's something that I begin to look forward to. Whenever I see a mourning dove, I think of my Dad, and God's faithfulness.
Can I talk about these brilliant creatures for a moment?
Growing up I used to play with mourning doves. Not in a mean way, but I would sit in my backyard, on a swing and listen to the songs they sang to each other. And as time went on, I would sing back to them. So much so that they would come fly towards me, see it was me making the song and then decide to fly off.
As I grew up, my Dad adopted these birds as his own. His special gift from the Lord, and we would see them all over the place. He would see them wherever he went. And it was a constant reminder to him of the Lord's presence. It's something that I begin to look forward to. Whenever I see a mourning dove, I think of my Dad, and God's faithfulness.
I started noticing them everywhere as well. And I kept thinking, 'I cannot steal my Dad's birds'. Then one day, I was praying, and I started praying that the Lord would reveal Himself to me, show me a sign. And I looked across the river, and saw the wings of a blue jay flying by. I didn't think anything of it, until they this beautiful bird started popping up everywhere. And frequently in moments I needed a pick-me-up, or the Lord to show up. So, I was thankful, the Lord gave me a bird-all for myself :)
What is kind of neat, is that it's odd though. Hmm, let me explain myself. I never see the blue jay long enough to dwell on. Just long enough to see that it is indeed a blue jay. For a while no one believed me that I was seeing them. Until one day one stayed long enough for my Mom to see.
What is kind of neat, is that it's odd though. Hmm, let me explain myself. I never see the blue jay long enough to dwell on. Just long enough to see that it is indeed a blue jay. For a while no one believed me that I was seeing them. Until one day one stayed long enough for my Mom to see.
But it didn't stop there, to my surprise. It's as though the Lord just keeps giving me uncommon birds. Not as in ones not found in this region, just not your everyday birds.
For a few examples, one night I was driving, praying hard, having a hard time with something, stopped at a stop sign and looked to my right, and all the way in the corner of a roof was a owl hiding. It was a burrowing owl. Not usually found on roofs....
For a few examples, one night I was driving, praying hard, having a hard time with something, stopped at a stop sign and looked to my right, and all the way in the corner of a roof was a owl hiding. It was a burrowing owl. Not usually found on roofs....
But I'd know those eyes anywhere, that face.
And that's when I started noticing all these different birds I see.
Another night, struggling with something on the way to church. Just wrestling within my soul, and out of nowhere a hawk flew right past my car window. And then gone. Never seen a hawk in my neighborhood before, and to fly that close...no, it was the Lord, just for me.
And that's when I started noticing all these different birds I see.
Another night, struggling with something on the way to church. Just wrestling within my soul, and out of nowhere a hawk flew right past my car window. And then gone. Never seen a hawk in my neighborhood before, and to fly that close...no, it was the Lord, just for me.
...I remember that tail.
I guess I didn't put it all together until tonight. As I started thinking about it, I remember all these birds, and all at really hard times. Really tough moments, and they'd just show up.
What made me think of all this was a thud at my kitchen window. At 1:15 a.m.
Not gonna lie, made me and the cats jump, and then I heard scratching. About a minute later, when my mind was able to fully process and think through what it most likely was, I went to look.
But really, what were the chances of it, whatever it was, still sitting there.
Nope, there it was.....
I guess I didn't put it all together until tonight. As I started thinking about it, I remember all these birds, and all at really hard times. Really tough moments, and they'd just show up.
What made me think of all this was a thud at my kitchen window. At 1:15 a.m.
Not gonna lie, made me and the cats jump, and then I heard scratching. About a minute later, when my mind was able to fully process and think through what it most likely was, I went to look.
But really, what were the chances of it, whatever it was, still sitting there.
Nope, there it was.....
As clear as day, and as soon as he saw me, he flew off. I decided to look up what kind of bird it was. Shouldn't birds be sleeping at that time? Not to mention I'd never seen this kind of bird before. I had to look it up.
But that's it, without a doubt. What's odd? There's only been one sighting of this bird in Florida...in February.
And once more it was a blessing when I needed it.
Again, tonight I'm wrestling with something, talking it out with the Lord...then this guy appears. Reminding me, always these birds remind me, of God's faithfulness. Even more than that too though, they remind me that God is thinking of me. He is having them fly (literally) into my life. That means, at that moment He's thinking of me. And in my knowledge I know He always is. But sometimes I don't think that's a reality I claim as much as I can, or should. And these marvelous creatures are a constant reminder....He cares, He's watching and He's thinking of me. He sees my hardships, sends some color my way, and wants me to smile.
Also to remember Matthew 10:29-31
" Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
How easy it is to forget at times. But I am thankful for His gentle reminders.
He is such a kind, and personal God. And I praise His holy name for that.
Thank you Jesus!
But that's it, without a doubt. What's odd? There's only been one sighting of this bird in Florida...in February.
And once more it was a blessing when I needed it.
Again, tonight I'm wrestling with something, talking it out with the Lord...then this guy appears. Reminding me, always these birds remind me, of God's faithfulness. Even more than that too though, they remind me that God is thinking of me. He is having them fly (literally) into my life. That means, at that moment He's thinking of me. And in my knowledge I know He always is. But sometimes I don't think that's a reality I claim as much as I can, or should. And these marvelous creatures are a constant reminder....He cares, He's watching and He's thinking of me. He sees my hardships, sends some color my way, and wants me to smile.
Also to remember Matthew 10:29-31
" Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
How easy it is to forget at times. But I am thankful for His gentle reminders.
He is such a kind, and personal God. And I praise His holy name for that.
Thank you Jesus!