I am destined to be a bird-lover. I was named after a bird (robin), and then went and married a man with a bird last name (martin)! I have already told my family that when I die, I would like the song,  “I’ll Fly Away” to be sung at my funeral! At least my parents chose a popular bird name for me, I could have been a loon or a coot.

I was raised with a great appreciation for the wonders of God’s creation, especially wildlife. We would take long walks in the woods and my Dad would point out all the animals, tell us their names, and even what sounds they made. I do the same with my kids and grandkids. Isn’t that what our Lord did also? He used nature as some of the most descriptive illustrations ever. As spring is here, and we all come out of  hibernation, let’s remember the masterful Creator, and what He teaches us through the wonders we observe.

We will see flowers blooming, and remember God will provide for us  whatever we need. “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O men of little faith! And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His Kingdom, and these things shall be added to you.” Luke 12:27-31.  Our part is to be diligent to seek His truths, and He will provide the rest!

We will watch the birds build their nests, and care for their young, and remember that God is in control. “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?” Matthew 6:25-27.  As Christian women, let’s be content in our spirits, knowing that as children of God, there is no need to be anxious. He is in control, Psalm 46:10.

We will see the beautiful green grass return, and remember the Lord’s favor on His beloved. “But His favor is like dew on the grass.” Proverbs 19:12b. Many photos have captured the beauty of dew droplets on the grass in the morning, but His Word  reminds us that only the children of God have the beauty of being in His favor. Every morning the dew appears, just as His favor rests on us each new day. As we commit our ways to Him, He will be gracious to us in return. Psalm 119:57-58.

With the return of warmer weather, unfortunately comes the return of little insects, too. Even these teach us lessons from our Father. “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8. Proverbs gives us several warnings against being a sluggard (see 13:4; 15:19; 19:24; 20:4; 21:25; 22:13; 24:30; and 26:13-16) and we would be wise to imitate the ant instead. Many a table has been blessed with abundance from a garden’s bountiful harvest. As you preserve, can, or freeze summer’s delicious crops, remember how God has blessed you with this “fruit of your labor”, and have a thankful heart.