The birds are just a start.
With the thoroughly insulated grill we have (and the delight I take in the weather that goes with my last name) I’ve been out on the back patio with some regularity over the last few weeks grilling our evening meal. On a few of those evenings I heard the hooting of an owl in the nearby woods.
We also have Canadian geese who enjoy our neighborhood’s water feature. While I’m very glad our property isn’t closest to that fountain (and all the mess on the grounds nearby) we still occasionally hear their honking as they take flight.
Along with these larger birds we have seen many smaller ones up close, on the birdfeeders in the back yard. So far, the regular patrons are chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, cardinals, blue jays, and a redheaded woodpecker.
That brought the question “why are these so noticeable?” to my mind this weekend. My conclusions are that (a) the neighborhoods were very new where we’ve lived before, i.e. hardly any mature trees. We’d see and hear mourning doves on the roofs, but that was about it. And (b) it’s been while grilling out back, eating at our breakfast table, and reading in the evening that these birds are noticeable. We recognize their presence when we’re quiet and available.
With that in mind I’d like to encourage you to take some time to notice these and other 1st Article wonders of God’s providence in your life (1st Article of the Apostles’ Creed, that is, along with its meaning in Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism). We are encouraged in Isaiah 40:26 “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?” And we know the answer to that – it’s God. Let your mind linger on how much He cares for us in all these things, as well as in the giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the sins of the world.
Take some time to notice the beauty, the majesty, and the plenty all around you. I’m looking forward to putting out our here-to-fore unvisited hummingbird feeder when the weather allows!