Windowsills

I have a friend outside my window at work today. A beautiful morning dove. She’s sitting very still and quiet on the windowsill. Perhaps she has a bad wing and is unable to fly. Since my desk is right beside the window, I am working quietly, trying not to make any sudden moves that might scare her away. I want her to stay there for as long as she needs to. I like having her close by.

I have a friend outside my window at work today. A beautiful morning dove. She’s sitting very still and quiet on the windowsill. Perhaps she has a bad wing and is unable to fly. Since my desk is right beside the window, I am working quietly, trying not to make any sudden moves that might scare her away. I want her to stay there for as long as she needs to. I like having her close by.

She doesn’t know I don’t want to hurt her. Every now and then I look out of the corner of my eye and see her looking at me. Does she know there’s a window separating us? Is she worried I might want to cause her harm? Or maybe she’s thinking my hair would make a good bird’s nest. ;o)

As I continue with my work, my mind recalls how our Father watches over even the sparrows (Matt 10:29-31). They do not fall to the ground without God’s knowledge. They have no need to worry about what they will eat or drink, because their heavenly Father provides food for them (Matt 6:25-27). In both these Scriptures, God tells us that we are much more valuable than the birds He made and cares for. Perhaps my heavenly Father sent this dove to remind me that my life, my future, my finances, my heavy plate are all in His hands. I have no need to worry about any of these things. He watches over me with much more care than my interest in my feathered friend.

Oohhh…she just flew away! Landing for a brief moment on the pink-tipped crepe myrtle and then soaring up into the blue sky beyond my view. If I could fly like her, as I have wished many times, I would want to fly right up to Heaven and sit quiet and still at God’s windowsill. I wouldn’t be scared, because I know that God intends me no harm. And best of all, there would be no windowpane separating us. My Father would welcome me, His child, into His restful arms. What a wonderful place to be!

My dear friend and fellow co-laborer to God’s children, are you worn out and in need of rest? You spend so much of your time caring for and ministering to others. Perhaps you need to sit still for awhile. Are there times when you wonder if anyone cares about the cares of your life? Do you have worries that you seem to bear alone? I invite you to take those worries and cares straight to God’s windowsill and rest quietly before Him.

Our Heavenly Father would love for you to take as much time as you need to sit still before Him and regain your strength. In fact, He tells us that “those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength” (Isa 40:28-31). Whatever cares may be weighing you down, lay them before the Lord. He cares about the big things as well as the little things, just as He cares for you, me and weary birds who rest on windowsills. He will give you strength for the work He has called you to do and, after resting for a while on God’s windowsill, make you soar on eagles’ wings!