When the Sparrows Took Center Stage

It was snowing by the time daylight fully emerged, one of those mornings that evoke memories of jumping up and down with delight at the thought of no school. Though for me, the nest already emptied, it was a day of normal activity.

As I sipped tea, snow fell in quiet, steady rhythm as birds flocked to feeders dripping with fresh seeds. Watching from my kitchen window after traipsing in the snow to fill the feeders, sparrows had the most fun.

I love watching birds feast to their hearts' content. It was worth the trek in the snow.

There were birds of all kinds. I grabbed my phone to capture a few pictures of the elusive bluebird who visits. She's building a nest nearby and swings in for daily rations. Cardinals are common visitors, as well as Goldfinches, beginning their metamorphosis to the color of a summer day.

The most common are the sparrows. They get no applause, no fanfare. No one says, "let me get my camera and take a picture of the sparrow." We ignore the sparrows and long to gaze at the beauty of the bluebirds and Cardinals. They are indeed beautiful, breathtaking in fact. 

Isn't that the way we treat people? Isn't that the way we treat ourselves? We pass over the common people for the ones we think are important, the ones that can make us look better, advance our careers, help us climb the social ladder, or fit into the popular clique.

But Jesus chose to speak of the sparrow in His Word. He chose the bird that doesn't stand out above the rest, the one who goes about his day doing what a bird does. He chose an ordinary bird to teach us who He is. He chose a humble bird to teach us how much He loves us, and that He is the source of everything we need.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." 

Matthew 10:29-31 ESV

We're prone to seeking out the beautiful people, the ones who seem to have it all, for guidance and fulfillment. We were not created to live like that. Most of us were created to live ordinary lives, helping and loving ordinary people.

I want to live as the sparrow, however, I want to treat everyone as if they are a bluebird or Cardinal.

Since I've been writing and revealing my deepest hurts and fears, I've learned we all have pain in our lives. Most of us go through life feeling like the sparrow that no one notices.

But there is One who tells us not a single sparrow is ever out of His sight. He knows every tear we've ever shed, every hurt, every loss and He loves us with an everlasting, faithful love.

Now that is something to jump up and down about. Maybe that's why the sparrows have so much fun at the feeders. Could it be the sparrow has discovered the secret to abundant living?

His eye truly is on the sparrow, and you, and me.

Cindy