His Eye Is On The Sparrow

We are really on a weather roller coaster, aren't we?  As for me, I
like cold weather at Christmas time.  It makes it feel more like
Christmas to me - since I grew up in mostly colder climates for my
childhood Christmas memories.  I'm of the "It's Beginning To Look A
Lot Like Christmas" mindset - and that doesn't involve 70 degrees and
palm trees!
As I was driving in to work today, I noticed an abundance of birds
flocking overhead.  Tiny sparrows that whirled in clouds, larger game
birds flying in the typical "v" pattern, and a raucous blue jay
outside my building complaining - probably because he flew south for
the winter, and today it's pretty chilly.
It reminded me of a true story from my young, broke, single mom days.
My errant husband was off having his alternate life, and I was home in
my country house with two small kids and one on the way.  It was
Sunday, and I was getting ready for church.
As I walked into my little farmhouse kitchen, a bird flew by - in the
house!  I was startled, to say the least.  The little sparrow landed
on the wall - clinging to the old wall paper, curled in a little ball.
 I slowly walked over, cupped it in my hands, and walked it outside,
where it flew off.  It never pecked me, pooped on me- in retrospect, I
believe it was God-sent.
I was having a very discouraging day.  As I sent the bird to flight, I
gathered the boys, and piled into the broken down old car.  It was one
of many cars I went through over those lean years.  I turned the key -
nothing.  I mean NOTHING.  It didn't even crank.  I looked at the
boys, and I prayed out loud that the Lord would heal my car - and I
turned the key again, and it immediately fired up, and off to church
we went.
As we went to church, I was still feeling down, but that all changed
when the soloist came up and sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow".
It broke down my walls, broke down my defenses.  I realized that the
Lord knew all I was going through - after all, if he cared for the
little birds, then surely he could care for me.
He cares for you - nothing is taking Him by surprise.  You may be
discouraged, you may be feeling defeated or down during this time of
year.  But know this ...He knows every hair on your head, and He loves
you so much, and He is with you!
And make a pledge to yourself to do something active for 30 minutes a
day.  I know the weather has been crazy - I have been walking up
stairs at work . You can find a way - even if you break it down into
3,10 minute sessions.  You WILL feel better, I promise.
I leave you today not with a picture, but with the lyrics to that song
that put things into perspective for me all those years ago...and
again today!

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow"

Why should I be discouraged and why should the shadows fall?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant Friend is He,
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free;
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled; these tender words I hear;
And resting on his goodness I lose my doubts and fears;
For by the path He leadeth but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free;
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted; whenever clouds arise;
When songs give place to sighing; when hope within me dies;
I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free;
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me...