Deep Thought Thursday - Bird Lessons

Sometimes we gain insights from the world around us.  I'll be sharing some of mine here in hopes to inspire everyone to ponder life and see how "All things denote there is a God".
    
    We recently moved to Arlington, Virginia.  The house we'll be renting over the next two years is a  mid-century build, with kitchy charm.  We discovered we weren't the only ones living on our property the very day we arrived.  House sparrows are abundant here, and a pair were nesting with four little hatchlings just under an eave of our back porch overhang.  The kids and I listened to their seemingly ceaseless cries, and watched both the mother and father bird taking such good care of their young.  One day, we noticed that one of the babies had fallen out of the nest.  Jared was able to carefully put it back, and things returned to normal.  Not a week later, another baby (possibly the same?) was on the ground.  Again, Jared put it back.  Only a few days later, we watched as the parents helped their little ones fly away from the nest.
     I was struck by a thought.  These house sparrows were devoted parents.  All day every day was spent caring for their four hatchlings.  But, just as with humans- some happenings are out of parents' hands...like a baby bird falling from a nest.  There was literally nothing they could do to solve this family problem.  It took outside help, from someone who could make a difference.  I hope that as my own children grow, that I will have the humility and wisdom to recognize when things I need to seek outside help for the wellbeing of my children/ family.

     Another day we took a walk.  As we strolled past a neighbors' yard, we heard distressed chirping.  A baby cardinal was on the ground.  It cried, and both parents were nearby being quite vocal.  Sadly, despite our best efforts, no nest could be found.  There was nothing we could do to help - except pray.  I realized that this is often the case in life.  People we know may have devastating situations involving their children, and there may well be nothing we can do except fast and pray.  While there is sorrow in not being able to do more, there is peace in knowing we are doing what we can.