Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Trust in the Provider

Dawn, and the fog’s gray curtain silently lifted on the drama of a new day. Frosty branches glistened, tiny diamonds catching the first rays of the morning sun. Still in my slippers, I braced myself for the nippy air, stepped outside the back door, and cautiously crunched my way across the frozen deck to the bird feeder.

A scattering of dropped seeds littered the area beneath the feeder. In the midst of them was one very small bird, just a tiny, fuzzy ball attempting to ward off the cold while partaking of the abundant feast. It hadn’t flown off like the other birds, and I was concerned for the little creature when it showed no sign of fear as I approached. I moved slowly, trying not to frighten it. But suspecting that it must be injured, I extended my hand toward the tiny ball of fluff. Still the little guy hardly moved, but just looked up at me with trusting eyes. Reaching down, I gently stroked its amazingly soft back. Still it remained still.

By now I was convinced it must be hurt, and I stopped petting it. But when I did, the little bird flew with ease up to the railing of the deck. As it sat there waiting for me, I laughed, walked over to it and petted it some more. It actually seemed to enjoy it, but a moment later, my “injured” bird flew off the railing, soaring gracefully across the yard to the icy branch of a nearby tree.

I was still smiling as I returned to the warmth of the house, amazed that this beautiful creature would have been so trusting as to let me enjoy such a special moment with it. And I thought to myself,
how the Creator must smile with joy when he finds us shivering in the cold of this world, and we quietly pause to acknowledge our trust in Him, take pleasure in His gentle, warm touch, and give thanks for His abundant provision.

6 comments:

Diane said...

Oh yes, Greg! I agree with you whole heartedly! and, I have a little pine siskin that is not afraid of me. Bless you...

spookydragonfly said...

Such a heartwarming story, and with a happy ending, too. I'm glad to hear the little one was not injured. It must've been a wonderful feeling to share eachothers' trust.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful story, Greg... We have tons of birds at our feeders--but none of them will come very close. SO--you had an awesome moment with your little bird.

God Bless.
Betsy

Greg Silsby said...

Yes, Diane, that was a pine siskin that I wrote about as well. I had never realized how tame they can be.

SevenPilgrims said...

I love how God reveals Himself through what He has made. That little bird had plenty of reason to trust His Creator Who had faithfully provided for him day after day. God proves His faithfulness to us in numerable ways . . . constantly . . . Oh to have the faith of that little bird - so when we feel the cold chill of life we continue to "rest as a weaned child" instead of accusing God of unseeminglyness (sp?). Thank you for this gentle reminder! Lessons from a tiny bird . . .beautiful!

Greg Silsby said...

Just a note regarding the story and the photo that accompanies it: someone asked me if the photo is of the bird in the story. No, it is just another of the ten or more varieties that frequent our feeders. I took this photo the same morning, however, while the branches were crusted with icy crystals.