Look to nature, to the many birds, knowing that God cares for them and also for you.

Matthew 10:29-31

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Reflection

Out the window of my office space at home, I’ve been watching a pair of swans build a nest, a mammoth nest. She-swan sits on the nest except for a quick splash in the creek, to stretch perhaps, or to find a little food. He-swan swims around, chases off Canadian Geese, occasionally brings she-swan some food. (I heard through the neighborhood grapevine that he-swan has another she-swan down the creek – I cannot prove this.) When I say I watch them, half my gaze during ZOOM meetings is out the window watching she-swan on her nest.

It snowed a few days ago – a lot. I felt bad for she-swan out there, seemingly alone. He-swan and she-swan have no notice at all of pandemics or economic downturns.  No one feeds them. No one takes them in when the snow falls. Yet in reality, she-swan and he-swan are just fine. They are being taken care by the providence of God. 

My husband says the swans are the invasive, non-native types, not worth much. The little sparrows mentioned in the text were used in ceremonies at the local temple. They were worth so little that they were usually a BOGO, you know, buy one, get one free, for a penny. Jesus tells us that God’s providence extends even to the sparrows. Jesus is using a bit of logic on us. If God’s providence extends to the sparrows, of course, it extends to us as well. We are in God’s care. Take comfort in these words. 

Prayer

God of all, we are grateful that we are not forgotten and that we fall under your care. Calm our hearts and minds during these uncertain times. Help us to remember that we are known to you, even the most mundane details. Thank you. Amen

Focus for the Day

Look to nature, to the many birds, knowing that God cares for them and also for you.

Author: Nancy Sauve