Lessons Learned From A Hummingbird

Tinkerbell is an Allen's Hummingbird, featured on the cam at World of Hummingbirds (Emma's Nest).

Oh, my gosh! It's a hummingbird, Mom

Tinkerbell has not only provided me (and precious kitty, Ziva) with hours of enjoyable entertainment as I've watched her on her nest that has gently cradled 2 tiny, jellybean sized eggs, 

but she's told a beautiful story. 

 You see, Tinkerbell is only around 3 1/2" long, and weighs about as much as a penny in the palm of your hand.

Yet, in spite of her delicate frailty, she has shown me what endurance, commitment and perseverance really is, and how to go about it with such beauty and grace ~ naturally.

From the moment her babies hatched from their eggs, her tireless efforts have been to care for them day and night, and keep them fed whether it be rainy, sunny, gusty winds or calm. It has been an impressive sight to watch. And she does this single-handedly, for the male does nothing to help in raising their young! 

The babies waiting patiently for mom to return with food.

They hear mom on a nearby branch and are prepared to eat!

Tinkerbell feeding her babies.

 

I'm in awe of her determination and strength. Yes, strength.....for surely it takes that to go back and forth, back and forth, from flower to flower to flower over 1,000 times a day!!

Her amazing qualities are not only admirable, but something worth learning a valuable lesson from. When I become discouraged, when I feel like  life has thrown me a curve ball, when I feel as though maybe I cannot keep moving forward, I'll remember tiny Tinkerbell ~ determined, strong, committed, persevering Tinkerbell ~ and know in my heart that if she can do it, then so can I. 

Somehow, someway, within me Jesus has provided all that I need, to do what has to be done.... beautifully and gracefully.... Yes, I can do it!

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
~ Romans 15:13

"HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW"

Why should I feel discouraged,

Why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely,

And long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion?

My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," 

His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness,

I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth,

But one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,

Whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing,

When hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him,

From care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

~ Civilla Martin - 1905