Steadfast Love
They have come every spring for the past three years – a sweet pair of Cardinals. The first year I watched as they painstakingly built a sturdy nest in my hanging planter. As a little aside, the flowers in my planter aren’t real. After several failed attempts to get flowers to thrive on our sunny, windy front porch, I gave up and bought some at our local craft store. It doesn’t seem to bother this couple. They return year after year to set up housekeeping among the fake blooms.
Last winter, when I took down the planter, I decided to leave the nest intact. I thought I would spare them the work of having to build another new nest. I began watching for them in early spring. They arrived right on time and seemed happy to set up housekeeping in the old nest.
The planter is right outside my kitchen window. I spend a lot of time there, washing dishes and preparing meals. The activities of the mama cardinal make for fascinating entertainment. She is a picture of steadfast love.
Once she has laid her eggs, she nestles in and rarely leaves the nest. When she does, it’s only for a very short time. Occasionally, papa cardinal comes to check on things, but for the most part she keeps a lonely vigil. I often wonder if she sees me watching her behind the glass. If so, she just pretends I’m not there. Perhaps she’s learned to trust me.
Often there’s a breeze blowing across the front porch. Mama Cardinal sits contentedly as the the planter sways back and forth – her colorful rocking chair. However, there have been many times this spring when thunder rolls, lightning flickers across the sky, and fierce winds buffet the planter. I watch in wonder as, amid the turmoil, she remains unchanged – huddled over her unborn babies. They are protected from the damaging winds and penetrating rain – safe and secure under the wings of their mama.
We have Someone who cares for us in just the same way. Vulnerable and weak, we are protected by One who loves us with an everlasting love. He is there when the days are gentle and sunny. And He is there when the sky grows dark and the storm threatens to overwhelm us. He never changes. We can be secure in the knowledge that our heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love and will never leave us or forsake us.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'” Psalm 91:1,2
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Blessings,
Linda
Dear Linda, thank you for the timely reminder that God is always near us, ready to protect us in sunny or cloudy weather even in the worst storms, blessings Gloria
Thank you for the reminder that He will be with us…always.
So neat that you have the birds right outside your window.
Dear Linda, I love this post. I read it on your blog and then hopped over here. I can’t leave a comment on your blog. I love reading. This one made me cry. When you said “a lonely vigil” it just hit me. Sometimes that is how it is for us moms. Oh kids all around and noise…. but often times I am alone. Thank you for your posts. Much love.
Oh yes, we have someone Who cares for us. I always loved the song “The eye on the Sparrow”, knowing that He would care for us even more than the sparrow. Thank you Lord!! ((hugs))
I love birdwatching, and I enjoyed reading your devotional on bird love, and God’s love. Thanks for including the lovely picture!