Words from the Sparrow

I gather that I have become very important!
A recent survey by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds – known as the Big Garden Birdwatch Chart –came up with some important news. Amongst all the birds watched in the United Kingdom, I topped the Chart for the 21^st consecutive time! Isn’t that marvellous. Let the Blue Tits, Starlings, Wood Pigeons and Blackbirds chirp away to their hearts content. They won’t beat the House Sparrow.
I was not, however, quite so pleased to read that my own chirp was not as melodious  as some. One of the reviewers actually referred to it as slightly tuneless.
Of course, I may be driven to take singing lessons. I think it will be with a Nightingale. They have such lovely, spell-binding voices.
Not everything about we birds is good news. I was especially sorry to hear that the lovely Starling is now on the UK Red List, joining others in the most threatened breeding birds category.

It reminds me of the importance of providing garden habitats  for we birds. By keeping open invitation to birds, including providing the right kind of sustenance, such as seeds. Insects, fruit and berries, peanuts  and regular well-stocked drinking areas, you can make all the difference to solving the ongoing nature crisis.
Gardens, green spaces are crucial lifelines for birds like me who are struggling. It’s a bit like providing an oasis in the desert, a sign of life where nature can grow.

One other thing;
DID YOU KNOW? that we sparrows get a little mention in the Bible New Testament. I had to ask a human to point this out to me.
It seems that in Matthew 10, Jesus tells the people not to be afraid of the evil folk who would turn them away from God. He said that if we are afraid we should remember: are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unseen by your heavenly Father. Even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are more value than many sparrows… (see also St Luke 12:6-7).
Of course, let the reader understand that Jesus is not disparaging sparrows. He loves us very much and there were lots of us in the Holy Land when Jesus was there. What he is saying , I think, is that human beings who try to live close to Jesus are loved even more. I think, when he said this, some of my fellow sparrows saw him give a little wink towards us!

So, there we are – be nice to sparrows and all birds and you will be filled with joy and be rewarded because we shall dance and sing for you and soar around your garden or local park or fields and maybe drop some surprise seeds for you.I expect you know this little poem, but in case you need reminding, take note of it in view of what Jesus said. It’s  by Elizabeth Cheney and I’m sure she would be delighted if you take it to heart.  As you look at the birds around you, I hope you might let them remind you how much your heavenly Father cares for you and will provide for you.  Do the same for the birds.

Said the robin to the sparrow,          
‘I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.’           

Said the sparrow to the robin,
‘Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.

[The photo poster heading this article is by my friend Joyce Smith, who lives now close to God and to redeemed creation in heaven,]
 [Mr G]