“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

I spend 2-3 days a week working out of town, and during those times, I stay overnight at my daughter’s place. Her home boasts a spacious back porch that offers a breathtaking view of the countryside: sprawling fields, picturesque pastures with contented goats, serene woods, a thriving garden area, and a meandering creek. The panorama is truly enchanting, a slice of rustic paradise. Yet, accompanying these visual delights are the symphony of sounds that define country living: the cheerful quacks of ducks, the rhythmic clucking of hens, the melodic calls of various birds, the occasional chorus of barking dogs, and even the rumble of old, robust trucks as they pass by.

On the days I work remotely, I opt to work from my daughter’s home, specifically from the back porch. This outdoor workspace, regardless of the temperature, provides not only a serene and tranquil environment but also a rejuvenating experience.

Adorning the porch are several hanging baskets and multiple bird feeders. I’ve observed that when I set up my workstation on the porch during the early hours of the morning, the activity around these feeders becomes a flurry of movement. I find great joy in witnessing the birds drawing near to me as they partake in the nourishing feast set out. During the early summer months, each hanging basket becomes a sanctuary for bird nests, housing eggs that eventually hatch into the sweetest symphony of baby chirps.

My time on my daughters porch ignited an inspiration within me to recreate a bird haven at my own house. And so, every day, I diligently refill the bird feeders and provide fresh water, all the while observing the continuous flow of feathered friends that descend upon my outdoor space. It’s a sight that warms my heart and offers a sense of connection to the simple rhythms of nature.

Intrigued by the interactions between these winged visitors and the food I provide, I posed a thought-provoking question to my husband—one who is confident in his knowledge of all things. I pondered aloud: “What would be the fate of these birds if, after a year of offering them food everyday if, I were to suddenly cease putting out food? Would they become dependent on this free and effortless supply, potentially leading them down a path of helplessness? Might they forget their innate instincts to forage and store their own food?”

As I contemplate these questions, I am reminded of the delicate balance between our roles as caretakers and the need to foster independence and self-sufficiency. Just as the birds’ reliance on the provided sustenance must be tempered with their natural instincts, our spiritual journey involves finding harmony between relying on God’s providence and cultivating the capacity to stand on our own, guided by the wisdom and teachings we receive.

So, in my daily ritual of feeding the birds and watching them thrive, I am reminded of the intricate interplay of care, sustenance, and the innate desire for self-sufficiency—a dance that mirrors our relationship with our Creator.

In Matthew 6:26, Jesus draws our attention to the birds of the air, creatures that do not toil in fields or amass stores in barns yet find sustenance daily. These delicate creatures, dependent upon the Creator for their nourishment, teach us an essential truth about our relationship with God: our Heavenly Father provides for us in ways that extend beyond the limits of our understanding.

Feeding the birds is an act of trust. When we scatter crumbs or fill a feeder, we become instruments of God’s providence for these creatures. Similarly, our lives are a canvas upon which God’s providential handiwork is revealed. As we offer our worries, desires, and needs to God, we demonstrate a deep-seated trust in His ability to provide, just as He cares for the birds. Just as the birds are unaware of the intricacies of human intention behind the scattered crumbs, we may not always comprehend the precise ways God’s providence unfolds in our lives, but we can rest assured in His care.

This act of feeding the birds mirrors God’s relentless love for us. Just as we provide for the birds out of compassion, God’s love for us transcends our comprehension. When we experience seasons of uncertainty or scarcity, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father’s love never wavers. Our worth, rooted in being made in God’s image, far exceeds that of the birds. If He attends to their needs, how much more will He attend to ours?

Moreover, the birds’ dependence on God invites us to embrace humility. We are reminded that our efforts, though important, are insufficient to sustain us completely. Just as the birds rely on God’s grace for their daily sustenance, we must recognize our reliance on God’s grace and provision in every aspect of our lives.

Feeding the birds, a seemingly ordinary act, becomes a profound spiritual lesson about trust, love, and humility. It is an invitation to view our relationship with God through a lens of childlike faith, recognizing that just as a caring hand scatters crumbs for the birds, our Heavenly Father provides for us in ways beyond our imagining. As we gaze upon the feeding scene, may we be reminded that God’s providence is ever-present, and our souls find rest in the assurance of His unwavering care.