If you’re like me, maybe sometimes you are up and down emotionally with the loss of your spouse. I understand that there is no easy way around it and that we are certainly going to have those emotional swings. And it’s ok for now because we are on this grief journey.
As the weather is changing, I am noticing the birds. The pleasant sound is always an encouragement to me letting me know that spring is on its way. Since becoming a bird watcher now I notice that there is an abundance of sparrows. I am really attempting to attract other species, but with no luck at all! In my quick research I find that sparrows are widespread and quite common. With over 50 species and a variety of colors, maybe I should learn to appreciate them. We tend to see many “house sparrow” which are brown in color with a little grey or white. Well after this week, I don't
think I am going to view them as a nuisance. I was reminded of Jesus referring to the sparrow in Matthew 10:29-31, “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 all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
We all face battles. Sometimes we might feel more down than we’re up. You may have been a fan of the “Rocky’ movies in the past. Rocky Balboa as a young aspiring boxer has some wisdom for us: This world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place, and it will beat you to your knees and keep you permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” I want to stop and think, what kind of a person do I want to be in this journey? Because I know that I am not alone, I can get back up and go again! I think that is what Jesus is telling us. He is certainly aware of everything that is going on in our lives because we are even more valuable than the abundance of sparrows that surround us. He sees our pain, feels our grief and really does desire to bring us comfort, peace, and hope.
Here's the truth…We live in a fallen world and without God’s unfailing love and unchanging character we would have no hope. Hope is a person, and his name is Jesus. Our feelings cannot all be controlled by circumstances surrounding us but by faith in God’s ability to pick us up and give us strength to move through it. Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach in in the way you should go; I will council you with my loving eye on you.”
By the way, for ole time’s sake (dating me I know) you might want to listen the most famous song by Ethel Waters, His Eye is on the Sparrow. Can’t get it out of my head.
Another bird story coming next week….
Blessings,
Sharon
