The Birds of the Air

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your 
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" {1}(Matthew 6:26 NKJV)

       Often in life, I have wondered, and at times worried, about what the future may bring. While I look forward to good things and anticipate making wonderful memories with family and friends, I can also be tempted to feel anxious about future difficulties, losses and struggles. Sometimes, I think this comes from having "the bottom dropping out" experiences in life, past losses and trauma. Sometimes I think this is universal, just based on the state of our world, with sad and shocking evils reported daily. In any case, I find comfort in focusing on God - remembering that he sees me, loves me and cares for me.  This does not mean we will never suffer or have hardships - we live in a fallen world.     

      When Jesus was on earth, he spoke of God's care for the tiny sparrow.  "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them does not fall to the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head all all numbered.  Fear not, ye are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31{2}  Some may read this passage and think about God's provision and care without noticing that the sparrow still falls.  God does not guarantee that we won't ever be touched by trials or the evil in this world.  How wonderful it is to know that no matter what I go through in life, God sees, and is there to help me through it.   

       I like to watch the birds at the feeders outside my windows throughout the year. Their beautiful colors, markings, songs, and funny little antics amuse me quite a bit. One of my favorites is the nuthatch, which is the bird on the top above.  They are the only birds that can walk headfirst down trees.  The bird on the bottom is the grey and white tufted titmouse.  Both of these birds are common to New England and show up at my feeder often in the winter. For these art pieces, I put natural pressed paper in a floating frame and painted the birds and grasses on the glass.

{1} Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

{2} King James Bible 1611