His Eye Is On the Sparrow
When you leave a house vacant for almost two years you never know what you
will find when you come back home. The yard left to others does not get fed and
cared for like the owners would do. The scrubs, trees and bushes grow up beyond
desired heights. Weeds take over in the flower garden and bird feeders remain
empty.
Before we left, the birds frequented my array of feeders. They had learned to
scurry when Missy our dog was let out in the yard. We provided them front and
back yard bird baths. They sang their tunes and provided me a source of
entertainment. I bought books, identified and kept a list of those who visited
our yard. I studied their habits and even tried to mock their calls and songs. I
didn’t fool many I might add. They just cocked their heads and peered at me as
if to say, "Who does she think she is fooling.”
While in Arizona I had bird feeders and bird baths as well, but not the array of
colorful birds that visited my yard in Illinois. Yet, I continued to be
entertained by them. The humming birds especially were exciting to watch as they
loved to feed from our Pomegranate tree. But I still missed the Cardinals, Blue
Jay, Black-Capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Robin, Flickers, Mourning Doves
and various finches and other species.
At our home in Illinois I had planned and planted trees and bushes and
shrubberies to accommodate our feathered friends. I read about the flowers and
seeds they preferred and bought accordingly. I purchased and my husband planted
when it got to the point my MS prevented me from crawling around on my hands and
knees. The feeders where constructed to discourage squirrels from joining at
mealtime. I truly missed my back yard haven and bird sanctuary.
Illinois along with trees galore and birds in abundance called us to return.
Would the birds have moved on to better feeding grounds? Would the generations
of doves who had made their home with us have given up and found another local?
I wondered if the flowers I had provided were still blooming or had weeds taken
over. What would we find?
After almost two years we returned back to the home that had awaited us. The
house and the yard showed signs of being unloved. The birdfeeders left behind
were empty. Hanging from a trellis on the deck was a white plastic flower pot,
its beautiful flowers long ago having died away. Instead of flowers to greet us
a mother Mourning Dove and her two nearly grown babies welcomed us home. She
kept her eyes open watching us; leaving only long enough to bring food back to
the nest. Were we her old friends or new enemies you could almost hear her
wonder? Was the dog a friend or foe?
Another discovery was made. There in the eaves of the Gazebo was a nest
belonging to a mother Robin. She was a bit more leery of us. We dared not bother
her or her nest. We wanted her to know she was safe to raise her young at our
place.
Though we had been away it seems the birds had continued to prosper and play.
Not only play but survive and multiply. Now that we’re back, their songs greet
me each morning and the Baby Doves have now flown the nest.
I live with MS on a daily bases and sometimes worry about what tomorrow may
hold. When I think about the future I am reminded of that old Christian song
that tells me, His eye is on the Sparrow and I know He watches me. I know that
God doth provide whatever my needs. When I see a bird fly I know I am able to
rise above my afflictions for God has me under His wings. I know whatever
befalls me, God will supply my needs. For unlike a house without owners to make
it a home, my Father will never leave me or forsake me. I know God will be at my
side. He is an Awesome God who too enjoys hearing us sing His praises.
The birds like we may be abandoned by humans but God will never abandon us. God
like the birds will always be there. If we leave him behind He will always be
waiting our return singing His Praises when we return.
Betty King baking2@charter.net
© May 8, 2002