Even the sparrow…

Last night Brett and I sat in our backyard watching with great concern as a baby sparrow flailed its tiny wings and flitted across the grass. One of its wings seemed underdeveloped and the little birdie could not get airborne.  However, it was not lacking confidence as it circled our yard, pecking here and there, eventually coming within inches of us and our curious dog, Codie.

Should we put food out?  Should we get a shoebox and try to rescue it?  Codie was no doubt questioning whether a doggie kiss was appropriate.

But then suddenly our little charge squeezed under the opening at the bottom of the fence door and scampered away from the relative safety of our yard and our questionable status as mom, dad (and canine) sparrows.

So we did what one might expect.  We returned to our cocktails; Codie took a snooze, and we reconciled our sparrow’s fate to nature taking its course  – a course that probably should not be tampered with – though who does not welcome a doggie kiss??

 

As I think back on our sparrow (whom thankfully we did not bestow a name) I am reminded of Jesus’s words reminding us of our true worth in God’s eyes,

 

I also think of the Gospel hymn, written in 1905, His Eyes are on the Sparrow.

 

 

“Why should I feel discouraged; why should the shadows come; why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He.

His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free; For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear.  And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears. Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

 

So let’s take heart.

The very hairs on our head are numbered.

He watches over the sparrow.

And He watches over us.

Father, Comforter, the Lover of our Soul.