Tag Archives: Birds

DETERMINATION

22 Nov

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.    Ephesians 6:13

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In the area where I live we have huge black ravens, much larger than the hens in my chicken coop. When we first moved here we were in awe of them as several would group by the side of the road taking care of an unfortunate rodent left lifeless by the wheels of a car.

Having one quite small child, the older boys decided they would make it a point to keep a close eye on him at all times, lest 2 or 3 of those ravens took a notion to carry him away. Jon is now big enough to fend for himself – but over the years we’ve heard many stories of missing kittens, chicks and puppies at the strong and powerful claws and wings of the ravens. Many wish they could banish the threats to the mini-farms in the area, but the ravens are protected birds because of their scavenger lifestyles and the service they do to the community by cleaning up the roadways and fields of carrion.

This time of the year, a little past spring but not into the hottest of summer, the birds are making their nests, laying eggs and tending to hatchlings. Crisp morning songs fill the air and faint shrill chirps announce new life. I sat on my porch with a steamy cup of tea, enjoying my time with Jesus, when I heard the loud deep “Caw” of the raven and sharp screeching of a smaller bird. There in front of me flew the duo – big black bird in the lead and the smaller bird behind – diving at the raven and pecking him hard on the back. Across, as far as I could see, this continued – “Caw” – shriek – attack– “Caw” – shriek – attack.

That momma bird was not going to allow that predator to take the treasures of her nest – even though she was less than 1/10th the size. Nothing could stop the instinctive determination of that momma bird – even though the raven was easily strong enough to turn around and destroy the threat that pursued it.

My, my, my – would I have done the same? When an overwhelming spirit of evil shadows my life, do I look at the size and the “apparent” hopelessness of the situation and give up my chance to stand? Do I remember the words of God that tells me “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” (PS 91:4-6) and that “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD . . .“ (IS 54:17). That “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Mt 17:20). That if I had the determination of a small momma bird – no predator could displace the tiniest twig of my nest.

Jesus, help me to meditate night and day on Your promises, knowing that they are not only for others, but also for me. Keep my feet strong in adversity and when I have all that I know to do to stand, that yet still I WILL stand.

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Written 6-14-07

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DANCING ON THE WIND

27 Apr

Birds Flying

By Linda J. Humes

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

On my weekly trip from Phoenix, up the mountain toward home, there’s a stretch of highway that has been cut through the mountain. Signs warn as you drive this section that there are strong crosswinds that run through where the mountain falls sharply to a crevasse then back to the protection of the carved out mountain. I’ve been given a good shake there many times; jolting me to a stronger grip on the wheel and a sharper eye on the road. One day I heard God telling me to pay attention to the beauty, not to worry so much about the dangers.

At first I thought I was supposed to see the beautiful striations of the mountain side, skillfully sliced away by the highway builders; brown, gray, white and gold pictures, drawn by the hand of God. Then there was the beautiful vegetation that peeked through at the high transit speed. Saguaros give way to high desert scrub at that point, all in bloom in spring.

One day I noticed the smallest mark on the sky, moving from left to right and back again over the highway, traveling up high and back down again. Then there was another and another. They were falcons, dancing on the wind. They rode the crosswinds, swooping down to easy sight, then catching the wind upward again, wings spread so wide that the feathers at the wing tips looked like fingers caressing the sky. They danced and played and found such freedom on the breath of God. Praise you Jesus – I felt freedom just watching them – I felt such peace.

It’s so easy for me to move from chore to chore – get up – eat – work – drive home – worry about getting everything done – stressing out – and all the time God is calling out “look for Me – I will give you rest, I will give you peace – look for Me.” When I opened my eyes to God, my drive no longer became a chore but a blessing.

I have seen as many as 15 birds at a time in that stretch. I always experience the same immediate calm – peace. I wonder how many other times God has called to me to look for Him in a difficult situation, and I was too overwhelmed to listen.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I’m so thankful that we have a God who loves us so much that He never stops calling our name.

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