Spring is my favorite time of year. The trees have forgotten the barrenness of winter; their naked limbs adorned once more with rich green foliage. The coldness of winter is lost to a riot of color everywhere you look as blossoms burst forth from the flowers. What I enjoy most, however, is hearing the birds sing and watching them soar in the sky. They seem so small and fragile against the endless blue, gliding effortlessly with the warm breezes. They dance in and out of the air currents in the simplistic gracefulness with which God created them. They soar high into the air until they are a mere speck in the heavens; then dive with heart stopping speed to the earth once more.
They worry for nothing. The new leaves provide them with shelter for their young. New life springs from old as they gather materials for their nests. They never grow hungry, for God provides a bounty for all. No matter if the sky is a transparent blue or dark with storm clouds, they continually sing their praises to their Creator. We should soar like the birds of the air, buffeted to and fro by the air currents, but never ceasing to do what is natural - to fly.
As much as God cares for the birds of the air He created, He cares for us even more. There are times we think He has forgotten us in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Instead of flying on the wings of prayer to the heavens, we are troubled with worry that keeps our souls grounded; fearing to spread our wings to fly for what might happen. We worry about possessions, wealth or circumstances we cannot control. God did not intend for us to worry, but to trust Him in all things. We tend to forget that He loves us and has plans for us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Jesus constantly told us to trust in Him for all things. We forget the lessons of the birds. “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse or barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12:24). If God takes care of the needs of the birds, should we worry when we know we are loved much more? Our souls should soar into the heavens knowing that we are loved. We should trust in that love, trusting in HIM for all our needs. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. … Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt 10:29, 31).
Yes, we could learn much from birds.