DUMB AND HAPPY
I can tell by the way he acts, he’s dumb. Dumb and happy. Springtime makes him reckless. The almost constant roar of sirens going to pick up sick people doesn’t even phase him. He’s distancing himself from everybody except the one who’s caught his fancy. He shows off for her.
He doesn’t know it, but as I watch, he’s showing off for me too. I’m impressed at his lightening speed and grace. He’s got God given gifts. I’m tellin’ you – that boy can move.
And as the world crouches in fear and wrings their hands in anxiety – worrying about life, he’s living his, and at full speed.
It’s not just him, although he’s the center of attention, it’s all of life in the world that is my backyard. Although I’m almost as busy as usual, I’ve been able to take a few minutes here and there to watch the simple, yet magical, world of the birds and the bees from a front row backdoor seat.
A lot of us are worried about tomorrow. It’s hard not to ponder the “what ifs?” Not only that, many of us ponder the lives of the less fortunate. How will they make it if this Corona Crisis lasts? I don’t have the answers.
I have two daughters and a son in law on the front lines. They’re close and some personal with those that have contracted the virus. Their employers don’t have enough masks. One is using a mask a week. The masks are supposed to be tossed at the end of every shift. The other has been told to use her mask indefinitely…
And as the world goes to hec in a hand cart I recall wise words. “Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow,” the words of God Himself. Matthew also recorded the words of the Messiah regarding the two sparrows being worth almost nothing monetarily, and yet He knows and cares when one dies.
As I watch the life of the birds and bees go on without the slightest idea of the trouble we face, I’m also reminded of the Lord’s Prayer. One specific line repeats in my mind, “Give us THIS DAY our daily bread.”
The animals, the birds and bees, have been given the instinct to trust their Maker… They live each day and make the most of it. They don’t worry about tomorrow… even in drought, storms, scorching days, and freezing nights.
Those of us that know God have the infinite wisdom and instinct to know that He will provide. It might not be exactly what we want, and it certainly isn’t what He wanted, but this fall was a choice. We’re all related to Adam and we’re all related to one another and this fallen world is reality.
Maybe Mr. Hummingbird isn’t really dumb and happy. Maybe he’s just happy. It could be that even his pebble sized brain grasps that God will see Him through all the days He’s granted him. There’s a lesson in to be learned for all of us. And it might just come from your own backyard.
Monday, April 6, 2020 @ 3:28 am
Great observations, Floyd. This time of year so much of the flora and fauna are coming back to life. It is evidence of the miracle that God has the future in His hands. We need not be afraid.
Monday, April 6, 2020 @ 3:30 am
I cut my grass late yesterday afternoon. I can’t say I have the same feeling for my guest as you do for yours. I’d really like to blow up every mole that exists but then again, there would be no yards…anywhere. it is interesting the carefree attitude of those creatures God made which are so tiny. But, as he said, He cares for the sparrow and they have no care where there next meal will come from. Great lesson for us as well. Thanks for a good reminder Floyd.
Monday, April 6, 2020 @ 5:33 am
I spent the afternoon social distancing on a piece of property we purchased earlier this year. We are being asked to socially distance ourselves, so my wife, my daughter, our puppy and myself headed for the outdoors. There is a bit of cleanup to do… remnants of trash from previous occupiers, however, the work was good. It is not done, but we have made another small dent.
What I noticed while I was out there.
–1) The sounds of the wildlife all around, birds chirping… and an occasional dog barking.
–2) The crackling of bonfire
–3) The warmth of the son as it made its appearance in the late afternoon.
–4) As the gunk and trash are removed, the real character of the land begins to reveal itself.
It was a good change. I came home filthy, but renewed. I came home tired, but refreshed.
My son was cooking dinner when we got home… He had to come over to do laundry so he asked if he could prepare us a meal… A great ending to a great day.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 @ 3:46 pm
Praying for your kids, Floyd. What a crazy time this is. May the Lord give them supernatural protection despite having to wear used masks and inadequate physical protection! Praying this will end sooner than expected.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
Thank God for your kids on the front lines battling this virus. It takes so many round the clock to take care of one person who has the virus, no wonder they are wore out with hundreds and thousands needing care. I think I have sit outside one day in the last couple weeks but there was one humming bird looking for the feeder I usually put up. I won’t be planting flowers this year since we are moving, end of April we hope. Jared got his little house, cute as a button but really at this time only one room for us, a room without four walls. As soon as I can I will take a picture of a place in the yard we could possible build something someday. But for now we are packing up and going up to our daughters in northern Mn., live in our RV for the summer then see what God has for us after that. Our plan is to return to California and live maybe in an RV here, maybe. It’s all up in the air at this point. My brain is tired trying to figure out what is next. We know the next step, Mn., after that, well, man can plan but God knows what is best.
Good to read you are staying busy with work. Jared is working too and despite the health issue going around his buying a house went so smooth. Like I said, it’s a little house, 13 hundred square feet with a wonderful swimming pool for the kids. I have been ask if I am afraid of the virus and really I am not but I am such a cautious person, I will obey as well as I can. Not even counting on that to keep me hundred percent safe but I can rest that in Him for whatever comes.