Sparrow

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

It seems like every move I made the last two weeks has been wrong. At least, that’s what some people around me want me to believe anyway. I’ve been second guessed, analyzed and questioned. I’m almost fifty years old, I’ve been in the workforce for over thirty years and a mom for twenty one years. Yet, somehow, overnight, I seem to have lost all my brains and cannot make good judgment calls. It is annoying to have people going behind me rearranging what I thought was proper. Now, you are probably wondering what in the world I am talking about, but since this is a semi public forum, that is about as detailed as I can get. Let’s just say, that all this negative talk has left me hurt, angry, sad and confused. Fortunately, I am not as dumb as some people might think I am. I knew enough to turn to God right away. I prayed that He would curb my tongue so that I did not say something I would really regret. I prayed for strength and courage to keep my head up and do the work He has called me to do. I prayed that He would help me to remember that He has placed me where I am in this life for a reason. The people I come in contact with, even the ones who think I am ignorant and need help functioning, are there for a reason, too. I don’t even have to know what that reason is, I just have to trust that God does and has everything under control. I confessed that it was really hard to remember all of that and asked Him to get me through one moment at a time. And if He would be so kind to keep me from blowing my stack or turning into a big wet puddle of tears that would be nice. After I prayed, I went about my day. I stopped at the florist shop to pick up some flowers for the big Grand Opening. I pulled my car up in front of a hedge and there, sitting almost eye to eye with me was a little sparrow among the leaves. He didn’t fly away, but tipped his head as though he wanted to see me better. Immediately, I was reminded of Jesus’ words about how God knows when even one sparrow falls and how much more He cares for me. I sat in the car for several minutes making eye contact with that little bird and soaking up the knowledge that God really does care. Then, I went to the grocery store to pick put the food trays and heard the Salvation Army bell ringer singing about God’s love for the world and for me. My day didn’t get any better, but my attitude did. Even when the entire world might be against me, the One who really matters thinks I am special and worthy and that is all I need to know.