For The Birds.

I remember being at work one day, some years ago, on an especially stormy day.

Now of course, there had been stormy days before this day, and more would come. But this particular Tuesday stood out to me.

I remember this day for the simple fact that I had forgotten to pack a lunch, forcing me to leave the dryness of my cubicle and brave the elements to find sustenance.

#fail.

As I surely was not about to go the day without food, I girded up my loins and headed outside.

I made a beeline through the empty parking lot to my car, with my head down and shoulders crouched, in an effort to withstand the turbulent wind and rain slapping me in the face. I just needed to get through this downpour and find solace in the confines of my car.

Now I don’t know about you, but when I’m literally walking through a storm, that’s not the time that I stop and smell the roses. I save that for a day when my shoes aren’t getting soaked (because, of course, I’ll have on suede), my hair isn’t frizzing (because #teamnatural) and there’s a good chance that I won’t get struck by lightning (because death by electrocution isn’t really how I want to go).

But, as I was closing in on my safe space (read: my ’92 Acura Legend) I remember stopping, looking up and hearing a sound that I wasn’t expecting.

Posted up on a power line, in the middle of this torrential rain, was a bird.

And it was chirping.

Now, this fascinated me. Because here I was, worried about the storm and likely concerned with what I would eat for lunch and if I would make it back to the office in time.

While in direct juxtaposition was this bird, sitting patiently (albeit dangerously) on a power line, in the middle of downpour, with seemingly no care or trouble in the world.

In truth, I think I’ve always had a fascination with the birds of the sky.

::Except woodpeckers. I could do without woodpeckers::

I’m amazed at all of the different types of birds, varying in shapes, sizes and colors.

How some flock together, while others are better off on their own.

Or how, before the sun rises and after it falls, they’re still there, chirping away.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but that quick observation of the bird would leave a lasting impression on me.

A promise, that I had previously read and known, was renewed within me.

^” 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?” – Matthew 6:26-27

And how fitting, right? I mean, on that day, as I was heading to get lunch, I was reminded not to worry about what I would eat, and furthermore, what I would drink or wear (v.31) Because if God takes care of the needs of the birds, He will certainly care for me.

But if I’m being honest, most of the time, I’m not worried about food, drink or clothes. I acknowledge the privilege I have, the favor I’ve been shown and the blessings I’ve received in that I rarely have those worries.

Instead of worrying about food, I’m worried about my career. Instead of being anxious over what to drink, I’m anxious over money. And instead of fretting about clothes, I’m fretting about relationships.

If I had to guess, I imagine these are concerns that the birds and I don’t share.

So does the promise still apply?

If it’s not a basic necessity, will God still help me?

Well, if I lean on more promises, then I know that He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant (Ps. 35:27). I know that, instead of being anxious, I should let my desires be made known to Him, through prayer and with a thankful heart (Phil. 4:6). And if I lean on His promises, I can’t lean on my own understanding, but rather, acknowledge and trust He will direct my steps (Prov. 3:5-6).

So does the promise still apply?

Yes.

If it’s not a basic necessity, will God still help me?

I know He will.

Furthermore, I believe that if God takes care of the basic needs in my life, He can certainly take care of the bigger needs, too.

So I headed to lunch that day, remembering that bird, and was comforted in the fact that if His eye is on the sparrow, I know He watches over me.