Two Sparrows and a Budgie

        I knew it was going to be a rough week when I came home and my 2^nd born said, “Mom, something is wrong with Carl.”  Immediately, my heart sunk.  Despite every effort I have made to create a stable, loving home for my children, somehow our mental health has become tied to a feathered piece of creation weighing roughly 42 grams.*  I don’t know exactly how it happened but frankly, I blame my mother in law.  Our relationship was fabulously complicated and when she went to be with the Lord, I suspect she filed a request with Jesus on behalf of her granddaughter.  Though the theology behind my reasoning is deeply flawed, the fact remains that shortly after her passing, my daughter ended up with a budgie similar to the ones her grandmother used to keep.  God moves in mysterious ways.

        

        Examining Carl, I had to agree with my daughter.  Something wasn't right, and the budgie was in some form of distress.  At this point dear friend, can I encourage you to thoroughly investigate your clever ideas before you execute them?  Truly, truly I say unto you, DO YOUR RESEARCH!  If I had done more reading before we adopted Carl, I might have understood the shadowy world of the budgerigar’s reproductive organs.  As it happens, I did not possess this enigmatic knowledge and spent a week paying to interact with experts on the subject.

        

        To be honest, it was a stressful week.  My daughter cares deeply for her little bird, and I was unable to make the situation better.  I did a lot of praying.  Over and over again, I found myself unsure if my prayers were going to be answered they way I desired.  I kept asking for God deliver me out of the situation.  Instead, with faithfulness, God kept walking me step by step through the process.  Have you ever experienced that Dear Friend?   We pray frantically, as if prayer were a magic wand that can be waved and presto – we will be delivered.   Have you bumped into the reality that God doesn't always work like that?

        

        There is a lovely scripture that references God’s care for birds.  I am sure you have read it before,  

        

        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. Matt 10:29-31

This delightful picture needs to be looked at in light of the chapter from which it is taken.  Jesus is sending out his disciples to preach the gospel and to perform miracles in his name.  He is also warning them of the persecution that awaits them.  (The subtitle above verse 16 reads, “Persecution Will Come.”)  If you ever have the temptation to put the above verse on a coffee mug, make sure the opposing side of the mug includes a stylized drawing of someone being stoned.  Otherwise, you are at risk of taking the promises of God to feather your own comfy nest. 

        The entire segment of scripture reads as follows,

        

        “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[h] 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.  So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.  Matt 10:26-33

        

        Darling friend, can I remind you today, that God is not oblivious to your struggles.  Those who seek to make your life more difficult and those who are unkind do not escape His notice.  He does not turn a deaf ear to the cries of his children.  If I was willing to walk with my daughter through budgie reproductive drama, how much more is God willing to attend you in your time of distress?   Your prayers may not be answered the way you hope.  You may need to incur loss, grief and suffering.  But this pain is not being experienced in vain.  It is forging for you great character, strength and endurance.  God is watching over you, ready to help you endure the pain you desire to escape.  Do not stop praying or crying out for His deliverance, but understand that deliverance is often difficult to recognize.   You are not forgotten, he will hold you fast and bring you through.

I am praying for you this week,

xoxKaren

*That’s 1.4 ounces American friend.

After visiting the nicest vet in the entire world, it was discovered that Carl was in fact ready to lay an egg.  She has no mate, but she can still accomplish this feat and is feeling very clever. (For that matter so are millions of chickens.)  She has now laid two eggs and seems to be contemplating laying a third.