Winter turning into Spring, and songbirds returning to rebuilding their nests.
While enjoying the birds singing in the woodland, I have the tendency to pick up feathers of birds that are fallen on the ground. They look so soft and gentle; and I would stroke them.
Holding onto a real feather makes me feel lighthearted and free-spirited; and amazed at how these softies are able to keep the birds warm.
Reflecting on the bond between feathers and me, one real life encounter with a bird floated across my mind:
Once, my landlord told me that the house we lived in needed to be vacated and that I needed to find a new place to stay within a short frame of time. After scouting at various options, I was still unable to find a place and the deadline to move out was fast approaching, and I was getting anxious.
So one evening before dusk, instead of taking a bus, I decided to walk the long route home so that I could spend time praying. As I was walking, I was startled by a small moving creature beside me and it was a tiny bird!
Normally, birds only approach humans if there is food to feed them but I had none! I continued my prayer walk and wondering why a small bird would walk so calmly alongside me.
Suddenly, my heart felt a tug, and tears sprung from my eyes. I felt as if God was speaking to me through the tiny creature, saying that He would take care of me and to provide a new dwelling place for me. Then the verse from Matthew 6:33 came tweeting in my ears, “Look at the birds in the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
As I contemplated the little buddy and the bible verse about God’s tender care, my feet seemed to feel lighter and my pace faster than the bus ride. It is as if I were like the tiny bird spreading its wings and gliding home!
God acted swiftly, for within a couple of days, I was assured a beautiful and comfy nest to dwell which was way beyond my imagination.
Through feathers and nests, I have experienced God’s presence, protection and provision in season and out of season.
The Creator God not only use the flying creatures to interact with humankind and to tell His story; He also use the image of a bird as a metaphor to show His protection, love and care!
Psalm 91 states that whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty; God is our dwelling place, and that He covers us with His feathers, and under His wings we can find refuge.
Piece of Mind 