Feeding Birds
by Karen S. Roberts 
Feeding birds and watching their behaviors remind me of Jesus’ teaching, ” Look at the birds, for they don’t sow or reap or gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they are?”
Although God feeds the birds, I like to feed them too. And I love to listen to their songs and calls.
Feeding Birds
I like to put seeds out for the birds. Of course, the squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits come to take advantage of the seeds too. So I spread out the seeds on the lawn behind our house, sometimes putting some on the patio also. That gives the birds a chance to get seeds even when these other animals are gobbling up seeds as fast as they can.
One of our favorite relaxing activities, especially at mealtimes, is to watch the birds and other critters. We can see them through our sliding glass doors that lead to the patio. I especially enjoy watching two cardinals and two blue jays which often come to grab a few seeds.
These birds get spooked more easily than the other birds who come for seeds. They don’t stay long. Sometimes our movement inside scares them off. Other times it’s hard to tell what startles them into flight. They fly away while chickadees, sparrows, and mourning doves keep on munching.
Some birds seem to come in groups. Then they all fly off at once when something startles them. They tend to return quickly to resume eating.
The squirrels and chipmunks don’t get scared easily. Sometimes they come right up on the steps that lead to the patio and peer into the house through the glass doors. That drives our cat Velvet crazy if she’s sitting in front of those doors watching them. I think some of them do this to taunt her. Somehow they know that she can’t get to them.
A Lesson from the Cardinals
Recently I saw the male and female cardinal perching on the top of the back of a chair on the patio. That is highly unusual. Usually they don’t like to be that close to the house.
As I watched, I said to myself, “How sweet!”
The male cardinal had a seed in his mouth. He “kissed” the female by transferring the seed into her mouth. Frequently they don’t even land in the yard together. Often he watches over her from a tree while she eats seeds on the ground. I think he does that so he can warn her if he senses any danger. She tends to stay on the ground eating seeds longer than he does.
The caring and protectiveness that he shows toward his mate makes me think of the care that our Heavenly Father has for me and for you.
Matthew 10: 29-31 says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” NKJV
While you listen to this song by Jason Gray, think about how much God loves you and will take care of you. Hand your worries over to Him.
If you get the chance to feed some birds and to observe them, think about the greatness and love of our Creator. Often He uses His creation to speak to us.
Click to enjoy this picture reminder that God takes care of the birds and you.
