Do Not Worry!
Jesus told his friends it wasn’t necessary to worry and illustrated his point with everyday examples, including “birds of the air.” In today’s post, I discuss a practical application of Jesus’ words. I hope you’ll read more …
A few weeks ago, I posted some photos of sweet little nuthatches building a nest in the rustic, faded angel birdhouse affixed to a fir tree in our backyard.
Well, the eggs which were laid in that nest hatched, and Ron and I have listened and watched the two chicks inside. By now, they may have “flown the nest,” and their departure reminds me of how quickly little ones move on!
It has been a joy to watch the parent nuthatches diligently tend their little chicks. Here one is receiving a “tasty” morsel.
Off mom (or perhaps dad) flies away to find food for another hungry mouth.
I love the way in which Jesus used analogies or metaphors from nature, such as these verses from Matthew 26, to illustrate powerful spiritual truths in a way everyday folks like you and I could grasp.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 26:25-27 (NIV)
We’ve not only watched our feathered friends this spring grow up. We have also watched with pride and delight the growing-up process of our grandchildren and great grandson. Most recently was our youngest granddaughter’s Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony.
My eyes filled with tears watching Emmi, so very poised, play a violin solo during the promotion ceremony. She has practiced hard to master this instrument.
An event filled with lots of smiles! Here, she is receiving her promotion certificate from the Greenacres Middle School principal.
Sarah and Brandon are a remarkable couple who juggle full-time careers as educators, and with generous doses of discipline laced with grace and mercy, parent these two future citizens! Raising children is no easy endeavor, and I have deep admiration for all parents who are committed to the challenge of learning to do this task well!
We’re going to miss our little nuthatch family, but come next spring, we’ll anticipate and be excited by new activity in the angel birdhouse.
Watching keystone events such as 8th Grade promotions are full of joy mingled with a tinge of sadness. Those young ones who we love so dearly and have enjoyed so much seem to grow up and “fly the nest” way too soon into a world that feels uncertain and sometimes downright dangerous!
I guess this is a good time for Grandma to put into practice what she believes! I often forget about how useless it is to worry rather than holding on to the words of Jesus. As I write today’s post, I am reassuring my soul that God loves the precious ones I love much more than I could ever imagine. This realization brings freedom, and I can anticipate with joy the next seasons of our loved ones’ activities and achievements!
Blessings on your joyful journeys!
