Think of the Sparrows (and the Kingfisher)
Living in a suburban home doesn’t offer many wildlife experiences, save the budgerigar fluttering in the cage as I write. While I do enjoy wrens and rosellas singing outside, nothing can beat the bliss of a rural property. (In some regards. I do appreciate the short drive to town and I certainly don’t wish to mow the lawn for several hours.)
The cows are a bit wary!
My grandparents live on a 2-acre property, and while it is annoying opening and shutting the gate every time so the cows don’t trample in, I love their home. A year or so ago, a peacock appeared outside their house, parading its exotic shades of blue and green. This peacock is living the life now. Mealworms (but they can’t be dried) and grains are poured into its feeder every day. My grandparents dote on it as if it was another grandchild. Really. It now has a picture on the fridge, right beside my school photo.
Every time I drive up my grandparents’ driveway, the peacock is sitting on the hay bales outside, or on the roof of the car, or strutting along the car port like he’s the king of the house.
Only a few weeks ago, I’ve also noticed a pair of kingfishers have moved in as well. They flit along the posts lining the driveway, dashes of blue darting about. A fleeting glance is the most you can hope for, but if you drive slowly (which you should, so the rocks don’t flick up and scratch the car you’ve borrowed) you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the sacred kingfisher perched on a fence post.
This photo deserves an award in the most blurry contest, I know…50x zoom!
Wondering why these kingfishers have appeared all of a sudden, just like the peacock, it was suggested their old home/creek/farm wasn’t providing for them—not enough fish in the water, not enough worms and bugs in the dirt. So they migrated to a place where they could feast sufficiently.
Is there a place you need to move away from this year? Not your house address (although that might be beneficial for some), but perhaps a friend group at school. A lunchtime gossip session in the kitchen at work. A toxic church culture. A damaging relationship.
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Use this promise as the courage to move to a different place. And who knows, you might even be treated just as well as this peacock.
