I Know They're Familiar
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the
ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the hairs of your head are
all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew
10:29-31 NIV
I know that today's verses are probably among the most
familiar of all Scripture, yet they never cease to amaze me!
In the past week we have had three little sparrows smack against one of our
large picture windows. The first little one was stunned. I ran and picked him
up, keeping him safe from predators ready to spring. After awhile he recovered
and gracefully flew from the safety of my palm.
The second one fluttered in an instant from this world back to the hand of his
Maker. As I cradled the little body, still warm and soft, I was deeply touched
by sadness at the short span of his life and the abruptness by which it ended.
He was so lovely, young and vibrant. I wrapped him carefully and disposed of his
lifeless shell with respect, bowing humbly within my spirit to God's design for
His world.
The third little fluff ball smacked less hard, recovered in midair and continued
on his way and winged his path to freedom.
These three incidents in as many days not only reminded me of these touching and
familiar verses but also how they are a comfort amidst any situation we may be
facing, for life inflicts many blows upon us.
- Some stun us with their violence, sadness or
unexpectedness. Yet God is with us, sheltering us in his love and grace,
monitoring our recovery.
- Others call us or someone we love home to eternity.
When the call is instantaneous those of us left behind usually grapple with
shock, grief, confusion, fear, anger, regret, depression and loneliness. Even if
the call allows us time to reflect upon what is fast approaching we still deal
with the same kinds of emotions. Amidst it all however these familiar verses
continue to remind us that God is not absent. He is
well aware of our situation, He is still in control, He still cares deeply.
- Then there are the moments when it seems disaster
has been averted. The car crash avoided by a split second. The slip that
resulted only in a bruise and not a break. The hot oil that missed us by a
splash. You know what I'm talking about. We all experience many of these
glancing blows that allow us to recover quickly and flutter back to our normal
patterns of daily flight. And perhaps these moments are some of the greatest
miracles of all concerning God's loving presence and care that can possibly
happen, for according to these familiar verses they do not go unnoticed. In
fact, I believe that such happenings may only be a glancing blow due to his
loving and ever faithful care.
After all, a God, who even has the hairs of our head numbered, isn't going to
leave anything simply up to fate, is He?
Prayer: Wonderful Lord and Loving Protector, thank you that throughout this day
and everyday you are constantly aware of our lives, all we are and all that
happens around and to us. Thank you that amidst it you are enough to see us
through from birth to death and all that lies in between. In Christ's wonderful
name we pray. Amen
Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC