Storm clouds, baby birds, and promises

It was 7:45 on Monday night. We had a great weekend spending time with family and friends, but we were all tired. The boys were in bed, and I felt like I could fall asleep as well. I glanced outside and saw the beautiful clouds and the soon-to-be sunset. As relaxing as the couch sounded, being outside sounded better. I still had flowers to plant! After a few minutes outside, it started to lightly rain. I looked to the sky—the colors, the movement of clouds, and rain was incredible. The faint thunder and light flash of lightning in the distance just added to the beauty. What better time to plant flowers than during a little storm. The air had cooled off, too!

While walking from the backyard to the front yard with my flower pots, I heard a tiny noise near the bush. Looking down, I saw a tiny baby bird that had likely fallen out of its nest. This little creature wasn’t mature enough to be out of a nest. It only had a feather or two and was opening its little beak in search of food. Where was the mama bird?

For those of you who know me at all, you’ll be able to guess my reaction. I love animals. I love every ounce of life, whether it’s a ladybug, a bird, a dog, or anything. I was the kid who cried the first time we cooked our fish after going fishing. The toddler who threw a tantrum because a bee flew into the fire in the fireplace and instantly died. The child who could never understand how a hamburger could be from a cow’s lost life. The young driver who stopped traffic because a squirrel was about to cross the street and I didn’t want to hit it. The first-year teacher who was told a student’s dog died and I had to pause our lesson because I needed to stop crying. May sound silly, but this is me. My heart shatters when any form of life, no matter how big or small, is harmed in any way.

So, seeing this tiny bird tonight wrecked me. I instantly started crying and ran to my husband (who had just stepped outside with the dogs), frantically asking him how I could save this baby bird. There was still some life left, but not much left. Maybe I should have just walked away, but I couldn’t. After him lovingly reminding me that there’s nothing we could do and that things would be ok, I resumed planting the flowers. I tried to focus on the cool clouds, the smell of the rain, and the beautiful plants. All I could think about was that little bird. As I took one last plant out to the front yard, I passed the bird again. He was still hanging on. Where was this bird’s mommy? I may have asked God for him to just put the bird back in its nest and keep him safe, but I couldn’t stop the tears from coming again.

As I walked up our front steps, I turned to look at the sky. A faint, but glowing rainbow was up there. I had hoped I’d see one this evening. It was beautiful. Instantly I was reminded of Matthew 6:26-27. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” God’s promises. What a beautiful reminder. I turned my eyes away from the rainbow for a matter of seconds, and when I turned back, there were two more rainbows, glowing brighter than I had seen. It wasn’t even a double rainbow. It was three of them, separately. I had never seen anything like it. Completely in awe, I thanked God for his presence and reminder of his love on this breathtaking night. As I walked to the backyard, I passed by the little bird one last time. He was still alive. As much as my heart was still quivering and I wanted so badly to save him, I knew that God was holding this precious creature in his hands, and all would be ok. No, the bird may not have life for much longer, but what an incredible reminder of God’s care for not only the birds and all his creation, but for us as well. Maybe God put those rainbows in the sky as reminders for my mind and heart tonight. As much as I wanted to hold and save that baby bird, maybe it was my reminder of how much God longs to hold and protect us, not just on stormy nights, but all the time.

I turned back to see the rainbows, and storm clouds had taken over. I looked for any glimpse of color, but all had faded. I closed my eyes and could still see those rainbows. The vivid colors and the bright sun burned into my memory. Maybe it was my reminder that one day, all tears, sadness, and death will be no more when we run into His arms in eternity. Whatever it was, it was something I’ll never forget.

Time to go inside. God is so good. Watching storm clouds, planting flowers in the rain, and crying over a dying bird may seem silly, but for me it was a wonderful way to end the day. God’s love for us is more than we can fathom, the beauty of his creation will remain indescribable. His promises, even amidst storm clouds or pending death remain forever. He watches over even the tiniest of creatures and He is good.