A few years ago, our hoped for bumper crop of tulips failed–spotty, few and far between, even though we planted tons of bulbs for an amazing display that only sparsley showed up. It was disappointing and frustrating, especially for my wife, the chief gardener in this household.

We noticed that some small birds (you can tell I’m quite the ornithologist!) keep getting into our paltry patch of tulips. Back and forth they go. All day long. We can see them as long as there’s daylight. What’s up? You guessed it. A nest is being built. Tiny twigs, placed precisely and carefully, make an amazing home for what comes in a few weeks.

When the eggs hatch, there they are–four wee ones with feathers, beaks, and all. The mother bird keeps super active carting food for her hungry tykes. Worms and all get lowered into gaping, famished beaks and gullets. Let me tell you, she’s at work providing for her own all day long and maybe at night as well.

This reminds me of some Bible verses. Psalm 57: 1–‘Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.’ Isaiah 34: 15–‘There the owl nests and lays and gathers her young in her shadow…’ And Matthew 23: 37–‘…How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…’

Watching new life, all provided for by our Lord, right in our own backyard, we couldn’t help but praise God for His caring for us as well–in all ways and at all times. He feeds us in many ways, especially in worship while digging deeper into our Bibles.

I’ll thank the Lord Jesus this week for watching over me, providing for me, and loving me. Not just me. Will you join me? I would love to have others under His wings, in His nest, and backyard.

Lord Jesus, for all you do for me, thank you. Amen.