Harbinger of Hope

While the calendar does not yet read March 20th spring is officially here, at least so says me!(Actually, to be more accurate, I guess I should say so says HE!)And who is he you ask? I am referring to the red winged blackbird. I heard him in the back wood just this afternoon.He was really talking it up in his distinct raspy “Keek- lah- ree” voice that sounds not too unlike a rusty metal gate squeaking on it’s hinges.

For many years I thought the robin was the first sign of spring, but I was wrong. After some research and observation I’ve discovered that the red-winged black bird is the first brave one to return after wintering away in the southeast coastal region. For two years in a row now, he has returned to this rural neighborhood during the last week of February. In this winter that seems the grayest and the longest of my life, my waiting, listening and watching, finally paid off today!

So even though spring flowers still sleep in the ground under a blanket of white, and the warm winds have not yet come to town, the red-wing blackbird has, and so for me hope springs new again, reminding me it won’t be long now, and I sigh and I smile.

How faithful our Creator God is in keeping this world turning with its seasons coming in succession. How amazing, and what a marvel to see how he has stored in the DNA of each of his animal creations specific survival instructions that can be observed with such marvelous predictability.

Do you need some hope today? Is your job, health, or family situation uncertain? Does your future seem dark and does there seem to be no end in sight? Take heart! For the God who cares for the birds and sends them on predictable migratory flights, cares for us even more!

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-32 (NIV)

I am reminded that just as I was waiting, watching and listening for my red-winged friend to return, I must also be waiting and watching for the move of God’s hand in my life. If I am walking defeated and head down I may very well miss the delight and the good he has planned right in front of me.

So, if you happen upon a marshy spot and you see the blackbird in the reeds with his flash of red wing, remember hope…,particularly the blessed hope that we need to be continually reminded of, the one that is also soon to be ours!

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13


Hope and Blessings to you!
Peggy

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