By Nancy Moore

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6: 25-34 (RSV)

SPUTZIES...

A local grammatical quirk references small nondescript birds as “sputzies.” Nothing stands out about them; each are streaked brown and white; there is nothing about them to draw particular attention. From my childhood I have always referred to these small abundant sparrows as sputzies (possibly derived from German).

I recently installed a small bird feeder on my deck just outside the sliding glass door where I get a good view of the birds that routinely visit. While occasionally a pair of bright cardinals, a noisy blue jay, and two mourning doves stop by for a quick repast, the vast majority of birds are the small, fragile brown sparrows who actively fuss with each other for feeding spots. Youngster will follow behind a parent fluffing its feathers and chirping loudly for attention to be fed.

As I watch these vulnerable little birds through the glass, I recall the scripture that encourages and reassures me of our value in God's sight. When we feel alone or insignificant, lack self-confidence or need to overcome some obstacle, the words from the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” (Civilla Martin, 1904) remind me not to be discouraged and know that our heavenly Father watches over us as he does each little sparrow—so what am I worried about?

Verse 2: “Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, AND I KNOW HE WATCHES ME.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for each day. We turn to you for strength, guidance, and reassurance of your love and concern, and know that you care and value each of us as you do even the smallest of your creations. Amen