Happy anniversary to me!

In what seems like a whirlwind swirling through the past 12 years of my life, I am marking two decades of writing my personal blog, which is now being featured weekly in the ‘News & Views’. I am grateful for personal satisfaction I receive in the expression of written words as well as being given an audience in the paper’s readership. Both experiences have been paths I would not have considered showing up in the landscape of my life.

During these past years, sitting down each week to write, I’ve had numerous “a-ha” topics come to mind, making my task easy to complete. Admittedly, there have been mornings where my thoughts are stuck. I feel dry and empty sitting at my laptop, asking myself “what shall I write about this week?” Some call it writer’s block. Such spells can often be described as a “dry patch”. I have endured both afflictions, yet neither of them has devoured my ability to “pen” something that I feel is worthy of a “job well done”. Most weeks, when I struggle to hone in on a topic worthwhile of writing about, my go-to source has been to ask God…”what would YOU have me write about today, Father. What can I say to encourage someone today or cause them to smile and even provoke a hearty laugh?” Never to my surprise, He has been faithful to answer.

Today, God has been showing me small lessons from the birds who visit our pan of birdseed. We have resorted to using a cake pan to hold the seed, as several bird feeders have been either destroyed or stolen–maybe a crafty racoon? Fortunately, we’ve not lost the pan; it has survived weeks of cold or rainy days.

When the pan is empty, I have observed the numerous birds sitting on the deck railing, waiting for their morning meal. Sometimes they perch in a nearby pine tree and swarm the pan when we fill it. We’ve got our share of sparrows, juncos, morning doves, and blue jays who compete for a “seat the table”. Vying for a turn to feast on the mixture of seeds is our resident squirrel who plops his or her plump body smack dab in the middle of the pan, choosing the sunflower seeds, tossing aside the shells which are now strewed over the deck. We’ve even had a chipmunk or two enjoy a turn dining. Watching them dart back and forth competing with our fine feathered friends is always a source of laughter for me.

When I take time to watch the feeding frenzy our beloved creatures create, I soon realize that in their need to eat, to survive, there’s a bit of competition and chaos. The Blue Jays are the most aggressive; the morning doves seem the most docile. What they lack in aggression, is made up in their own sizable bodies to dominate the seed by sitting on top of it as though perched in a nest. 

Then there are what I refer to as “dive bombers”. These are the fellas who come in from the safety of the neighbor’s shrubs, swooping in to take over our small country buffet. Their fast approach and crash landing antics cause all others to quickly scramble. Until all bellies are full, this is a cycle I’ve seen continue for several hours.

One small baking pan of birdseed may seem insignificant as we do our part to feed the birds who remain with us during Michigan’s cold winter months. Yet, I’m confident even our small efforts are producing great results for all who rely on the pan being on the table for them, filled every morning for their delight.

So, a question to God…what do I write today?…a small pan of birdseed. Small amounts of common birdseed and witnessing the ability to provide for small beautiful creatures provide me with an example of God’s love and faithfulness to me, too.

Sometimes I come to Him in a fast swoop, too. There are mornings I have the gift of leisurely time to “sit in the middle of God’s Word” and feast on His promises. The difference for me in comparison to our little outside creatures is that I do not need to worry about competing for God’s presence or feeling satisfied from His provision.

God is able to meet all needs. He does this for everyone who comes to Him, all who are hungry or thirsty. And He does it every day without slumber or sleep. His riches and glory are never ending. And I like to imagine Him smiling and laughing at me when I come to Him frantically, or waiting with arms out wide to hug me as a child needing comfort and safety.