His Plan
With an inner clock set in motion by the One whose word brought them into being, they know it is time to return. When the days warm to just the right temperature, I see them hovering around the empty space where the hummingbird feeder hung all last summer. In the same way they knew it was time, they remember the place. It’s time to make the mixture of sugar and water they have come to depend on.
When we moved to our new home, a friend gave me a large hummingbird feeder to replace the one I’d left behind. My husband put a pole just a few feet outside our kitchen window so I could watch them come and go. They are fascinating – tiny miracles with rather feisty dispositions.
For months I filled and refilled the feeder, and they came time and time again. The long summer days grew shorter, and still they came. I expected they would soon be leaving on their long journey south, but they continued to come. So I continued to supply them with the sugary drink.
I told the friend who had given me the feeder I was surprised they were staying so long. She gently chided me, “As long as you keep the feeder filled, they’ll be tempted to stay. You must take it down, or they will be late in beginning their migration south. It could mean trouble for them.”
I saw the wisdom in what she was saying and immediately took the feeder down. Soon they were gone, safely on their way before it was too late. All the while I thought I was doing them a favor, I was putting them in jeopardy. They would have been happy and comfortable for a while, but sooner or later they would have paid the price.
I often feel like those little hummingbirds must have felt. I like life to stay safe and predictable. I am content when everything is going well, and there are no dark clouds on the horizon. When things begin to get uncomfortable, I plead with the Father to let things stay the way they are. When it appears He isn’t going to do things my way, I become confused and a bit angry.
With wisdom that cannot be fathomed, and a love that never changes, the Lord allows things to come into my life that I cannot understand. He has not promised to give me a life of perpetual happiness and comfort. He has promised to always be with me and to work everything out for my eventual good.
The little hummingbirds will be safe for the winter. When they return, I will be waiting for them with sugar and water. I’ll be safe too, as I trust a Father who will never leave me or forsake me.
“For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Blessings,
Linda
Beautiful.
Thank you for the reminder that God will always be there; no matter how hard things get. Your friend share some great wisdom with you.
Thank you Linda for sharing your love and wisdom with us.
Such a profound truth, Linda. So much mystery surrounding our Father. I never grow tired of watching the birds at my feeder–yet, even these small creatures hold mystery for me. Such a beautiful picture of the creativity of our good God.