Birds of the Air

Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to God than birds. ~ Matthew 6:26

Aside from a couple of flightless birds who spend all their time on the land (except for penguins who “fly” in the water) birds move nearly exclusively via the air. In this area, this time of year, there is an increase in southward flying as birds migrate to warmer places where they will spend the winter. It is curious that there aren’t more obvious signs of migration. With the increase of agreeable habitat (think lawns and particularly golf courses) the iconic symbol of migration, the Canada Goose, has become more sedentary. Some populations of geese simply stay put year round.

Still, why are there not more flying V’s of birds demonstrating that birds are on the move? The reason is that there are many forms of migration. First of all, many birds migrate at night, so even when they are in small flocks, they go by unseen. Also, although millions of birds may migrate on any given night, they do so over great distances and times, so it is more like a sporadic stream than noticeable groups. This also explains why we don’t notice more movement during the day. That, and not all migrants travel long distances. Some birds don’t move farther than the mountaintop to the valley, where the climate can markedly different.

Maybe this is why Jesus tells us to look at the birds of the air, that is, we need to really pay attention to notice what is going on. And what is that? Simply birds going about their routines carefree in the care of the Creator. When we consider change, we often feel anxiety rise. The sort of travel that migrating birds engage in would require such great effort for us that we can hardly imagine it. Yet, birds look to the sky and feel the changes in weather and pick up and go. The sky that beyond our reach is their domain, which provides a reliable source of support. Perhaps we should behold not only the birds in their element, but also something like the flowers of the field and learn how to know the blessing of place that we, too, may find if we let go and trust God.

Prayer: Holy Breath, fill us that we may know blessing and lift us that we may be free to follow where you go. Amen.