A Boy...and His Birds

A Boy…and His Birds (from June 3, 2017)

Said the robin to the sparrow, 'I would really like to know
why those anxious human beings rush around and worry so."
Said the sparrow to the robin, 'Friend, I think that it must be
that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."

I was walking around in my back yard the other day, surveying my limited real estate and considering the creatures that live on it. The charcoal grill was fired up and the wind was calm for a moment. As thoughts of the day strolled through my mind, I mused: “I’m just a boy with a brat. And a beer. And some birds.”

Yes, birds. We are now co-owners (with our neighbors) of 8 chickens…half of which are contributing back to society with their egg production, while the others just eat food and poop in the yard. They’re not too complicated, but they are like children in that they both require our attention and garner our affection. They’re unlike children in that they may be eaten, if necessary.

What started as a simple assessment of my life got complicated quickly. “Just a boy” is just part of a much larger scenario, and I didn’t even get to family and work! Suddenly, the idea of somehow stripping down your life, and living “off the land” or “off the grid” sounds so good, pure and right, doesn’t it?

Dear friends, when you walk around, surveying the real estate that is your life – do you remember your Creator? You will always be busy, there will never be enough time and your brain will always be full when you put yourself in God’s role, and forget that you are one of His creatures under His care. When you’re anxious, overwhelmed or worried, Jesus says, “Look at the birds…” (Matthew 6:26).

Seriously, just look at them. If you don’t have any in your yard, come over and look at mine. They don’t frown or sweat. They don’t smile or laugh. They may not worry, but they also don’t know joy. God has created US with the capacity to worry, yes…but, also to know the unspeakable joy of being cared for, loved and rejoiced over with singing. We have great value in the eyes of the One who made us.

“Cast your anxiety upon the Lord, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7