Devotionals

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Matthew 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your FATHER. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

One spring, I was in the yard with our dog, and I noticed her poke her nose in the grass and jump backwards. Then she began sniffing and poking wildly. When I reached her, I looked down at a pitiful, ugly baby bird with just a few small feathers. The poor creature was barely breathing and had a gaping wound, about the size of a quarter in the middle of its back. I grabbed the dog, took her inside and brought back a small plastic bag. I slipped the bag over my hand and gently picked up the little bird. I thought, surely, this little one is not going to make it, so I gently placed the bag in the dumpster. My heart was heavy not knowing what else I could do at the time. Poor bird!

Later that afternoon, when I brought our fifteen year old daughter home from school, I mentioned the incident. As soon as we arrived home, she took her books into the house and went back outside to the dumpster. I fully expected she would find a dead bird, but her heart was touched when she saw it was still alive! She pleaded with me to let her try to play mother-bird. I told her she could try, but in my heart, I thought it a hopeless task. She found a small shoe box, placed some Easter grass inside, placed a tissue on top of the grass, and gently placed the bird on the tissue. She placed the improvised bird bed under her desklamp to keep it warm. I called the Humane Society and was advised to call the Game and Wildlife Commission. I was given very precise instructions to soften dry dog food with water and to feed the bird small amounts of the mush every hour. I was also told, very sternly, not to be surprised if the bird died despite our heroic efforts. Very early the next morning, both my husband and I were abruptly awakened by a loud sound. Listening closely, it sounded like a bird chirping. Sure enough, the baby bird was vigorously demanding attention, much to our utter amazement!

A few hours later the bleary-eyed surrogate mama appeared at the table for her breakfast. The bird was still alive, she reported. Knowing she was going to be away for the next few days, we realized this life-saving task was beyond our capabilities. We needed expert help, but didn't know what to do. Surprising enough, there was an article in the newspaper that day telling about a group who cares for injured and sick birds. The article was an appeal to the public for funds and volunteers but also gave a phone number. I dialed the number and explained our problem and was given directions to a home not far away. After ringing the doorbell, we were admitted to a house almost completely taken over by bird cages with small feathered occupants in varying stages of recovery. Our "patient" was immediately identified as a sparrow and attended by a team, who administered antibiotics and treated the wound with antibiotic ointment. It seemed almost like a scene from "ER"! The gentleman in charge, after finding out what we had attempted with the dogfood mush just shook his head. He seemed amazed that we had done so well. We left marveling over all this poor creature endured and yet it still clung to life. I called a few days later, not expecting good news, but was told our small, not completely feathered friend was doing very well. About a month later, I called again and was told our sparrow was completely recovered and was getting physical therapy for a foot deformity...probably the reason, I found it on the ground. I returned the phone to its place on the wall with a special sense of awe, as I thought of GOD's care of HIS creatures. If HE cares for a hopeless sparrow in such a way, how much greater is HIS love and care for me!

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