Chapter 25 – What Did You See?

God Who Values Us

Matthew 10:29-32

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in Heaven.”

Ephesians 2:8-10

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

The days and months passed quickly and before we knew it another spring had already sprung. Kaiyah and the kitties were elated to romp about in the backyard rolling in the fresh grass greening before our eyes. The air had that sweet fresh smell of early flowers in bloom and the slightest touch of warm sunshine drawing out the moisture and oils from the returning herbs in the garden by our kitchen. The air was also filled with the sounds of many songbirds including hopping bopping robins. It was nice to be able to leave the sliding door open. Behind that screen sat an audience of four, the furbabies and me, welcoming the day with praises to our Lord and Creator. 

The quiet whisper of a morning breeze running along the newborn leaves played softly in the background. How much He Values everything He has made, all that is His Workmanship. I pondered that Truth as often as I could.  It was healing to my soul and caused me to focus more on recognizing the beauty He has placed all around us especially when often confronted by the evils of sin and its consequences. That morning was a good one to do just that.

Soon we would have new fledged birds joining their parents at our awaiting feeders. Being avid birdwatchers Peter and I would keep them stocked all year round. Plus we purchased a birdbath offering refreshment for the feathered and able bodied furry friends. Squirrels were fun to watch full of personality and unlimited in spontaneous antics. On occasion we would hear their little barking sounds when they would be on alert. Our attentive watch cats would indeed engage in chitter and chatter with them from time to time.

Gideon and Pumpkin were fascinated by them whether they were inside or outside. The boys slowly moved about the yard while getting a good scolding from the big mama squirrels that were very aware of their presence and the vulnerability of their new younglings. The two of them never tried to “hunt” them or got close enough to even try. Kaiyah on the other hand would burst out of the house, run to the middle of the lawn, and just stand there - while the squirrels scattered in every direction and raced up tree and fence faster that you could say, “Go!” She never tried to catch one either. After her grand entrance she would begin her leisurely patrol sniffing and romping about her yard. If the kitties were out with her they would have meet and greets and Pumpkin would often follow Kaiyah on her rounds. It was a delight to watch from my humble vantage point.

Peter and I were a bit more settled in our routines with his work and the seasonal changes that were carving new paths in our living style. It was good for us and a definite adjustment.

On one late bright morning Kaiyah suddenly veered to the right with a hard pull on the leash as we travelled along the sidewalk heading out on one of our walks. The road on our left was already radiating some of the heat from the strong sunshine. I remember automatically responding to Kaiyah’s pull moving myself quickly joining her as she was pretty keen on discerning things that may need to be found or avoided. In my heart I knew there was a reason she did that out of the blue. I slowed to a stop. I asked her softly, “What did you see Kaiyah?” and quickly scanned the ground. I focused on the area of Kaiyah’s gaze.

Lo and behold, there was a tiny baby bird lying on the sidewalk still alive. As was my custom, I immediately asked the Lord for His Help and for that little one and its family. Canines are natural predators, so I had to thank Kaiyah for valuing that tiny frail life the way she just had chosen to do. The baby was inches from my footpath and definitely slightly older than a hatchling with just the slightest bud break of first feathers. Prettiest pink skin, big yellow beak, eyes closed and as vulnerable as could be. Kaiyah was patiently waiting and watching as I tried to figure out a potential nesting site or see if any parent bird was about. Neither was to be found and it was rather hard to figure out where the little one had fallen from. Nevertheless, Kaiyah’s sensitivity had alerted me to the little life needing help. And help was what we were going to do!

By God’s Grace, throughout the course of my life, I had been able to help out a number of little critters and birds so I knew what to do but I didn’t know of any rescues and such in the area just yet. I was frustrated with myself as I should have found that information out much sooner. I usually keep those kinds of contact numbers handy. I gently picked up the little sweetheart and held it very carefully. No damage, thank God. Before I had a chance to take a step Kaiyah was already heading home. We got back pretty swiftly and I made a little safe box and began my search for a rescue. I found one at long last just outside the area we lived, called them and told them I was heading their way. Kaiyah received a couple of big reward treats and was content to have had a very successful but short mission walk that morning. She had no desire whatsoever to go on the road trip to the rescue so I left her in the care of two cat-nappers.

The folks at the rescue were surprised to hear about Kaiyah’s discovery of the little one. And they were grateful to have the baby bird brought in to them. They said it was a baby sparrow and assured it would be just fine and released, when ready, back into the area it was found. I let them know that their lives, the self-less long hours, interrupted sleep and little to no pay, (as most are volunteers,) were incredibly valuable and a blessing and I thanked the Lord Jesus right there for them and the little lives they were taking care of. And, as we often like to put our money where our mouth is, we supported them with a financial donation to boot! Praise the Lord for folks who care and value such little lives and for the little lives themselves. 

I praise God, my Heavenly Father, that He Values our souls the way He does! Jesus is the only Way showing us our need to be rescued from sin. Jesus is the only Truth as the one who is able to rescue us out of the bondage of sin. And Jesus is the only Life that liberates our lives from the wages of sin, which is death, giving us life in Him and the incredible promise of eternal life with Him one day. 

All life is precious. That baby sparrow, thanks in part to the caring awareness and discovery of His exemplary gentle attentive husky, would live!

…Until we meet again…