After a bright sunshiny Saturday with temperatures in the mid 70s, perfect in my opinion, we anticipated a rainy Sunday and received an overcast, but dry, day. I filled up the crock pot with vegetables, ground beef, and a can of tomato soup before settling in at my computer for church. Throughout the day, we have been noticing an array of birds in the back yard, including a pileated woodpecker, drawn to the fresh stump, and a rose breasted grosbeak who enjoyed some sunflower seeds at our feeder. I’ve started a list of the bird varieties we’re noticing and identifying.
The brightest tulips at Oglebay Resort yesterday.
Some day I may invest in a better way to photograph birds from my window.
Look at the size of that woodpecker!
This is our seventh Sunday to share a prayer to the One who watches over the carefree birds and cares even more about us. May you be blessed as you join me in prayer.
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Dear Jesus, you told us not to let our hearts be troubled and not to be afraid, reminding us that nothing is impossible for you. We see the beautiful wildflowers and the delicate flowering trees. We hear the singing birds and marvel at their variety. Your colorful creation comes alive again as it does every spring, renewing our spirits as we feel the warmth of the sun and breathe in the fresh air. We praise and thank you for the simple joy of walking outside, taking our eyes away from screens and lifting them to the treetops and beyond, feeling small, and yet knowing that you care for each of us and have designed us for your pleasure.
Yet it is hard for us to remain carefree for long. We think of the troubles of this time, the things that threaten our health and our future. We are sad that the joyful gatherings we anticipated for this season cannot take place. We weep for those who are very sick and for those who are grieving and pray that our loved ones will stay well and have what they need. We thank you for people who work hard day after day and night after night to care for the sick and ask you to protect them and their families. In all of these things, we are tempted to fear and to worry. But, you have invited us to cast all of our cares on you, for you care for us.
Lord Jesus, you are our hope for today and for each day coming. You have shown your love in a remarkable way, coming from heaven to live among us, teaching us how to love others, going to the cross as God’s sacrifice for our sins. Knowing that you have done that for us, we draw close to you, thanking you for forgiveness, praying that we will honor you by trusting you. Amen.