Now, before anyone goes running off to report my suspect theological leanings to a member of my church's leadership or refers me to a mental health professional for evaluation, let me explain.
I can't imagine that God created hummingbirds for any reason other than that it simply pleased Him to do so, knowing that they would bring us joy. I know hummingbirds pollinate flowers, and so they are useful; there's probably also some science involved. But I prefer to think that their primary mission is simply to bring us joy.
And because I know that we live in a world with devils filled that threatens to undo us, I sometimes let my heart be troubled. And on more of those occasions than I can count, I've been prompted to look up just in time to catch a glimpse of a hummingbird. It seems to me that hummingbirds are sent to cheer and encourage me whenever I most need to see them. I consider them love notes from God.
This past week I had to take the beloved teenage son for the ASVAB (military qualification) exam, which felt a little like handing him over and granting permission for him to be led into clear and present danger. My friend and guru (which I mean in the most respectful, presbyterian and reformed sense of the word imaginable) asked me how she could pray for me as I left to pick my son up from school. I asked her to pray that God would peel back the curtain ever-so-slightly to give me a glimpse of His presence with me along the way.
After leaving my friend, I stopped at a local nursery to pick up some plants for my window boxes, and guess what caught my eye just as it darted through an opening in the greenhouse? Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe I really am crazy.
Or, just maybe my heavenly Father really does love me and truly does answer prayer and sent me a love note to remind me as I was on my way to do something hard.
In continuing to count the gifts from my Father's hand, I open more love notes:
310. The hummingbird, sent as a love note from the hand of my heavenly Father to remind me, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
311. First draft of the senior project completed; the finish line in sight.
312. Getting to drive a car full of four of my favorite teenage guys to the music festival.
313. A day away from homework and tests and papers replaced by one filled with music.
314. Hearing the beloved teenage son shine as accompanist.
315. Mother-of-the-bride joy.
316. We are weak, but He is strong.
317. God is gracious, God is great, God is good; therefore, let not your hearts be troubled.
318. The prayers of many for miraculous healing; reason for hope.
319. Window boxes filled with flowers.
320. Graduation parties.
321. Summer food: burgers and dogs and pasta and potato and Jello salads in abundance and shared with friends.
322. The light shining in the darkness in New Haven, CT, overcoming evil and transforming lives.
323. Lakeside lunch with the beloved Swede.
324. A perfect Sunday afternoon of floating in the pool with family and Ethel.
325. Veterans and those who serve.
(My grandfather, Henry Fischer, who provided veterinary services to the cavalry in WWI)
327. Memories of Dad in uniform. (Gotta digitize this photo)
328. Those who tend the graves of loved ones and remember.
329. A trophy and a smile.
4 comments:
I love that he speaks to you in hummingbirds!
My mom's baby hummingbirds have started to peek over the nest and flap their wings determinedly...I'll have to post a picture sometime. They're so cute and busy aren't they?
Delightful to meet you and share in your thankfulness today. The sweetness of the hummingbird. Simply beautiful, simply today.
Hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you.
New to the gratitude community,
Sara
yes, the hummingbird... flash of grace with wing... thank you.
I don't think you're crazy at all! Rejoicing with you in the generosity and care of our Heavenly Father, who knows us so well.
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