A Hummingbird Lesson
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26 (KJV)
Our oldest son is an outdoor enthusiast. He lives an extreme outdoor lifestyle that many of us find fascinating but would never experience. Rugged mountain ranges take my breath away as I gaze at them from a distance, whereas he scales them. Probably only 2% of outdoor activity seekers have experienced the level of kayaking, camping in extreme conditions, and dangerous rock climbing that he has. Along with that, he has at times been part of harrowing search and rescue of others who didn't make it home. Some of my friends follow his adventures on social media and ask me, “How do you sleep and keep from worrying to death?” How? I pray (often.)
So, a few months back when he planned a family vacation Out West for us, I had to push back all the questions and my need for reassurance that it would be comfortable and safe. The plan was full of adventure: white water rafting, tents, rivers and fishing. Sleeping alongside the river in a tent did not appeal to me, so we compromised on a beautiful mountain home overlooking the North Fork Payette River. (Ok, maybe not a compromise but more of an accommodation for Mom.)
The beautiful landscape left me speechless. Everywhere our eyes could see, it was simply beautiful. I understood even more why our first born chooses to spend so much of his time wandering the woods and rivers.
On our final morning, just as my mind and soul had adjusted to the different pace, I encountered a hummingbird. A real encounter. The hummingbird feeder at home tempts these little creatures to stop by for a few moments at a time, never lingering. But this morning this northwest hummingbird feasted on the pine tree just a few feet from my seat. Just as I had developed a different pace over the past several days, this little miracle in flight lingered in contrast to the visits of any Georgia hummingbird.
It suddenly dawned on me - these little beauties don't need my hummingbird feeders, God has provided all they need and does so without my help, and in the same way, God cares for my loved ones. He doesn't need me to bear the responsibility to worry for those I love when circumstances present themselves that I cannot control. Just as God caused that very pine tree to grow and feed that one hummingbird, God is at work caring for and providing for my loved ones. My role is to pray for my family and love them to the best of my ability.
What about you? Is there someone or some things you need to trust unto our Heavenly Father? Like the hummingbird, will you and I feast on all God is able to provide?
This is a promise of god for each one of us:
"I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry." Isaiah 58:11 (The Message)
Dear Lord,
I am so grateful for YOU. I know you see us and all we hold dear to our hearts. I trust You in the rocky places and don't take that for granted. You are providing all we need each day. Stay every so near, In Jesus name. Amen and Amen.”
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.