What the Birds Tell Me

It’s been a time of growing and stretching for myself and Caring Counseling Ministries (CCM). Typically, times like these would send me reaching for a paper bag to breathe into. Yet, nowadays, I’m learning to trust more and worry less. Therefore, amid all the topsy-turvy changes I’m learning, I don’t have to worry. And I’m learning that the other side of worry is that “peace that surpasses all understanding” that Jesus gives us.

This newfound peace is the direct result of my morning routine, where I sit in a lawn chair each morning and listen to the birds. In fact, I have a lawn chair for me and one for Jesus. I sit outside and imagine holding His hand while I listen to and watch His creation. There is something about listening to those birds singing their songs that reminds me God is involved in our lives details.

This is from my prayer journal the other morning: “Papa, I’m so impressed by You this morning. As I sit out here with the lovely breeze, listening to all your created things, I am in awe of how you have designed and sustain it all. You thought out every detail to delight our hearts and lead us home to You. The birds sing the crickets chirp, and my dogs play before me as the trees sway in your Spirit Wind. Is it a stretch to think You are putting on a display to remind me that You are involved in every nuance of my life, CCM, and everything and everyone I love? That we are all under Your watchful eye, and You are Romans 8:28’ing it all? The birds tell me it’s true because not one falls without Your knowledge.”

And as I sat there, basking in the love of my Creator and enjoying the show, it dawned on me that those relaxed feelings I was experiencing must be what trusting God feels like. But here’s the strange thing, it felt so darn irresponsible! My natural bent has been worrying for so long that I felt reckless and lazy to not be praying frantic prayers.

The longer I rest in the Father’s love, the more I realize that what I mistook for a meaty prayer life for most of my Christian life has really been worrying in the presence of Jesus. Oh, and giving Him advice. I have given Him a lot of advice on how to fix the things I was worrying about. But when I sit outside and listen to those birds, something feels innately wrong about worrying and advice-giving to the One who created all these beautiful reminders of His goodness.

 In closing, I want to share some lyrics to the song that sums up what I’m feeling in my heart. It’s a song by Hillsong United called So Will I (100 Billion X): “God of creation, there at the start, before the beginning of time. With no point of reference, You spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light. And as You speak, a hundred billion galaxies are born. In the vapor of Your breath, the planets form. If the stars were made to worship, so will I. I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made. Every burning star is a signal fire of grace. If creation sings Your praises, so will I!”

Here’s your homework for the next few weeks. Set the alarm for 15 minutes early. Take a couple of lawn chairs, go outside, listen to those birds, and see if you don’t hear the voice of the One who loves you best, whispering in the wind.