Every morning I sit on my patio with my coffee and my Bible. I love spending time with God outside because I see Him in nature. He talks to me when I’m sitting on my couch, or driving in my car, or anywhere. But, I love being surrounded by His creation because many times that’s where I hear Him the loudest. I spend time with God every morning not because I’m super spiritual. Actually the opposite is true of me. I am weak and I am desperate for Him in my life.
As soon as I sit down I look at the blue sky and then the two large tallow trees in our backyard. They make a huge mess and wreak havoc on our pool, but they provide privacy, and shade. Those two trees also attract birds. All kinds of birds. Doves, Blue Jays, Swallows, Cardinals, Sparrows, Mockingbirds, and so many more. The trees are filled with very happy birds.
As I cry out to God to take away whatever I am going through, birds are flying back and forth between our trees and all the neighbors trees. In those moments the Holy Spirit reminds me of this beautiful truth from Jesus, “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. Aren’t you much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:26-27, NIV).
I came out of the womb worrying. I was good at it. And sometimes I still am. I like things planned, organized, and figured out. Life rarely works out so neatly. It’s messy. Complicated. Unpredictable. I am not very good with the unknown. God in His great love for me has slowly unraveled this worrying girl. He keeps having me step out into the unknown and He tells me, “Don’t worry my precious daughter,”. So I keep stepping out. Sometimes it’s easier for me than others. His overwhelming love for me is reassuring when I’m scared. He’s just that good, and I know He holds my future.
A few weeks ago as I was pouring my heart out to God, a Mockingbird perched on the wrought iron fence. It looked around for a moment, then hopped down to forage on our pepper plant. It spent a few minutes on the plant before it flew away. That bird was not worried about where it’s food was coming from or shelter or anything. I knew God was reminding me once again not to worry.
If God, in all His goodness, takes care of the birds, He can take care of whatever concerns you today, or tomorrow, or anytime. He is faithful to care for all of His creation, especially you!
Matthew 6:25-27 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT).
Love you all,
Meghan
We had the privilege to stay on Whidbey Island, Washington in the Puget Sound with my sister’s family for quite a few summer vacations. The island is filled with Bald Eagles. Their huge nests are on the top of light poles, and trees, and anywhere up high. We would watch the eagle that nested near the house where we were staying. Every so often the large creature would leave it’s nest. Those massive wings would spread, and that amazing bird would take off in flight cutting through the air with ease and strength. I want to soar like the eagle but many times I fall flat on my face.
Meghan E White 