The Adventures of a Lovebird

“Why did the lovebird cross the neighborhood?” 

Answer:  For 25 hours of regret. No cuddles, no food to be found. Plenty of rain, lightning, wind, cold, darkness, aggressive other birds, then the hot sun in a sky with more lightning and rain approaching. 

I would say “poor girl!,” except she freely chose to fly away when one of the boys was trying to rescue her from proximity to the loud noise of the lawnmower; then she refused her owner’s sweet hand a few minutes later! She was consequently out in a big storm in which she was drenched and cold and no doubt frightened by significant lightning. 

Potato in the “potato hold” — hence her odd name — after a bath. She loves to bathe herself once or twice a week in a cup of water. This is what she would have looked like during that crazy downpour, but with no warm hand around her or towel awaiting her. 

We searched for HOURS. I made up flyers yesterday morning, ones Gracie designed (so cute!). 

We were all praying continually, which was convicting to me when I thought about all the things I DON’T pray about as continually, but which are much more important, eternally! 

Gracie was amazingly calm and of good courage. I think she really did entrust her “baby” into God’s hands. She even chose to go to the MK youth group hangout instead of searching more just then. And Seth, being bored, was out on his ripstick after the hangout when Potato flew right over! He saw which tree she landed in and came running home to get us. David was able to scale the tree she was in, as she eagerly hopped from twig to twig to get as close as she could to Gracie, who was on the ladder. Gracie was so happy and praying so hard that she was sobbing through her smiles. The bird hopped right onto David’s hand, and he passed her to Gracie, who immediately closed her hands around the tiny body and rushed her home. 

We were all thanking God in stereo, repeatedly. David photobombed a nice picture I was trying to get of Gracie, but I suppose he was one of the rescue heroes!

The bird was sooooooo hungry! She ate until her little crop was absolutely bulging, then took a cozy nap. 🥰

Love how she’s standing in her bowl! Sometimes I feel that way about my food, too. 😉

I can’t help thinking of spiritual parallels and Bible verses: the ones about the sparrows being valuable to God; the ones about searching diligently and desperately for a lost coin and rejoicing with neighbors when found (It’s been such a sweet blessing to have family members and neighbors who cared and looked and and prayed!); and perhaps most of all, this: 

Freedom from our loving owner and caretaker is not, in fact, freeing. 

Our needs remain, and we can’t get them met apart from Him. She may have been eating something out there, but it caused bloody droppings and obviously didn’t satisfy. She was exhausted and hungry and is now much more dependent and cuddly. She’s asleep in the curve of my left shoulder and neck, under my hair, as I write this. She insists on being inside my hand, her little feet clinging onto my thumb, with my palm and fingers covering her. It’s like she can’t crawl deeply enough into the comfort she went without for more than a day.

O Lord, forgive my decisions that take me away from your merciful, restraining, providing care. It seems so natural sometimes, even acceptable (“I’ll stay nearby . . . ”), but then the storms come, and I suffer because I’m not in the place of safety and warmth for which You so lovingly designed me. Carry me close to your heart, inside your strong and loving hands. Save me from my own deceptive desires to wander. Work in me through your Spirit and Word to trust You and remain. ❤️

What joy to know God’s devoted, active love for His people infinitely exceeds Gracie’s passionate care for her birdie.