Hummingbird Lessons

I am really excited this year because I have finally attracted some hummingbirds to my backyard. I've put out the feeders, changed the sugar water regularly, provided a bird bath with a floating fountain, made a small wild flower garden, and planted other plants to attract the birds. This Spring we regularly saw two hummingbirds visit our feeders. I think those two had children because we now see four flying around and two are larger than the other two. They are getting more bold as well as we watch them drink from the feeder, hover nearby, rest in the trees, and chase each other around.

The hummingbirds aren't the only guests we have. I also have a regular bird feeder and it is visited daily by up to a dozen mourning doves, Chick-a-Dees, Tufted Titmouse. Cowbirds, House Sparrows, and Blue Jays. The Blue Jays really like the whole peanuts I put out there for them. They must watch for me because I no sooner put out the peanuts and walk away that they don't swoop down and grab a peanut. I think there are probably a half-dozen Blue Jays.

I'd heard that hummingbirds can be aggressive and it is true. I've seen the daddy sit on a perch nearby and as soon as another hummingbird comes to feed it swoops down and chases it off. I also see them chasing each other around the yard. It is quite fun to watch them.

Another interesting observation on the regular bird feeder is that the most aggressive bird(s) are the Mourning Doves. We think of doves as peaceful and we talk and sing about the Dove of Peace but they are the most aggressive bird at that feeder. There is one dove that must think the feeder is hers. She will plant herself in the middle of the feeder and eat while keeping other birds at bay. I'd always heard Blue Jays were aggressive, and they can be, but at my feeder it's the doves that rule.

Oh, and I shouldn't forget the squirrels. Of course, I have squirrels.

But as much as I do for them As soon as I unlock our back door and step out on the deck they fly away as quickly as they can. Obviously they are scared of me. even though they wait for me to bring fresh food out and as much as they enjoy playing in the bird bath fountain. And though I would never hurt them.

I don't expect a Disney experience with them like we see in Disney movies but I wish they'd at least not act like they think I'm going to catch and roast them. I'd like to be able to be close to them and enjoy their beauty, songs, and antics.

Recently, I started wondering if that's how our heavenly Father feels. He provides for us day by day and moment by moment. We don't even know all the times He has protected us, provided for us, and met our needs. I'm sure He longs to commune with us like He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before they sinned.

After Adam and Eve sinned there formed a separation between man and God. It wasn't possible to have full communion with Him because of the sin in our lives. When Jesus came He took our sin upon Himself. When He died on the cross He carried those sins to the grave, and when He rose from the grave He left the sins behind. Because of His work on our behalf we can now have a full and unhindered relationship with God. We must only believe that Jesus died and redeemed us. Then as we continue through life, when we fail and commit some sin, we have only to confess our wrong to Him and ask for forgiveness. The Bible teaches us that if we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin.

That means we can have a free and unhindered fellowship with Him. He can walk with us through the garden and through the struggles. Wherever we are, God is there walking along side us.

But too often I am like the birds I described. I'm afraid to be in God's presence. I run away when He comes near. When I run away I rob myself of communion with God and basking in His love for me.

John 3:17 tells us Jesus came to the world (us) not to condemn the world but to save the world and reconcile ourselves to Him. He came to give us life and that more abundant. Jesus said He wants to call me His friend. but in my guilt and fear I run away from His love.

I'm going to try and not be like my hummingbirds or any of the other  birds. I'm going to strive to not sin and when I do confess my sin. That way I won't feel guilty. I also won't feel like God's out to get me and or punish me.

I'm sure I'll be happier basking in the Savior's love. We'll you join me there?

No matter what you've done in your life, Jesus is ready to forgive you and open His storehouses of heaven to you. He forgives and forgets, Trust in Him today. And if you don't know Him the way I've described, please let someone near you know so they can help you resolve your conflict with God. Then your spirit will soar like a hummingbird!