E-Vangel
Newsletter
April 7, 2014
Pastorgraphs: "A
Little Bird Taught Me"
I’m
not sure who was more surprised: a mama
hummingbird, Anita or me. I fretted a good bit about Junior (or June) over the
past couple weeks. It began when Anita pointed out a hummingbird nest right out
our kitchen window.
The
mother allowed me to come very close and take some pictures, first of her, then
of the egg, and finally of the baby hummer.
We
had some strong winds last week for several days, and I checked every few
minutes to make sure the nest was still secure, and Junior had not been blown
out. I tried to convince myself that hummingbirds have been surviving wind,
rain and storms for generations.
But
I worried.
It
reminded me of driving from Mississippi to Western Kentucky in August 1971 to
begin a pastorate that would allow me to attend Southern Seminary in
Louisville. Crossing the state line just south of Memphis, many doubts, fears
and uncertainties came over me. I was leaving the state where my Jenkins
ancestors had lived for six generations. But at that very moment, Mahalia
Jackson came on the radio singing, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he
watches me.” Her sermon in song dispelled the doubts and fears. I knew that His
eye was upon me as I ventured away from the comforts of home and family roots.
Over
the last two weeks, I have come to appreciate anew those reassuring words. I
will share them with you.
Why should I feel discouraged
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches over me
Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches over me
(Civilla D. Martin, 1905)
So
if you are going through times of anxiety, fear or doubts, you too may be
reminded that:
God
cares.
Not just about us, but about all creation. Our Lord said he notices the falling
of the sparrow, and you may know He watches over you!
God
creates.
God created the heavens and the earth. He created all forms of life from the
largest to the smallest. Watching the baby hummer come to life is a beautiful
reminder God gave us all our life. How precious the gift of life is.
God
provides.
The mother hummer has all she needs to fulfill her maternal role. She finds
nectar and food nearby the nest. The Bible says we should consider the lilies
of the field. They are more beautiful than the most gorgeous raiment King
Solomon (the richest man) ever wore. God provides!
God
protects.
There are few creatures as vulnerable as a baby hummer. They weigh just 0.62
grams at birth, about a third the weight of a dime. Not only are there
predators, but the wind, rain and heat are a threat. Yet God protects his
creatures as an act of love.
God
loves. Just
as a father and mother love the life they create, God loves you and me. He
created us in his very own image. He wants us to call him Father. How awesome
is that?
So
a little bird taught me and reminded me of a few things. Our God is an awesome
God. His creation shows his handiwork. He cares about creatures both great and
small. He has already made provisions for our needs. And most of all, He loves
us with an everlasting love.
I
know what awaits is both the sadness and joy of an empty nest. But as I learned
on that trip to Kentucky, leaving the nest is the only way to fulfill God’s
plan for your life. His
eye is on the sparrow, the baby hummer, and I know He watches me.
Devotedly
yours, Bill Jenkins
From the Quote Garden:
"In order to see birds it is
necessary to become part of the silence."
~ Robert Lynd ~
Christ United Methodist Ministry
Center
“Christ
in the Heart of San Diego”
3295
Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205
Home of
Exodus Cooperative
Parish
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