Food for the Birds

Today I walked out for lunch a little early. While waiting for the cafeteria to open I had time to myself since no one else had shown up for lunch yet. So there I was, just waiting and while waiting I was watching. I was watching the birds through the window near the cafeteria entrance. Although I am not an ornithologist I want to describe what I saw as best I can. There were 2 or 3 small sparrow-like birds. I say "sparrow-like" because they were the common variety bird. The small, brownish bird that flies about. But with those "sparrows" there was also a bigger bird. This bigger bird is one I think I'll call a "cardinal." It was a bright red bird with an orange-like beak and it had a black bandanna affair about it's eyes (looked as if it were a burglar). The "cardinal" was pecking at the ground with the other "sparrows" near it. Suddenly the "cardinal" scared all the "sparrows" away. It kept on pecking for a while and then flew off. But when it flew off all the little "sparrows" flew off after it. Farther out, past the immediate ground in front of the window were a couple of "robins." At least I think they were "robins," for they had a brown back to them while their chests were a dull red. I also saw a yellow looking bird which I doubt was a "canary" and yet that is the only yellowish bird I know of so I'll call it a "canary."

Looking at all these bird made me reflect on Jesus' promise to care for the sparrow. In Argentina I was walking alongside a professor and asking him several questions. He was sharing that same verse when we turned a corner and together saw on the ground a small bird lying dead. It was rather funny.

But then I walked into lunch. Hmm. Except for it wasn't an "Hmm" as in yummy. No, lunch wasn't too good at all. I need to be in the perfect mood for Mexican food and today I wasn't. I am rarely in the best of moods for Mexican food and today they had enchiladas and who knows what else. Ugh! I was sorely disappointed. Since I'd skipped breakfast and knew I wouldn't eat again till dinner I took some of the food. I was not happy. In my heart I was grumbling and complaining. Without right to either. I had no reason to complain. God was taking care of me just as He was the sparrow. It may not have been my preference but at least I wasn't eating the same meal as the sparrow. I mean, I prefer Mexican food over worms and bugs any day. But still I need to learn to appreciate all that God gives me. I can't pray and "give thanks" for my meal unless I really mean it.