Among the birds that stay around during the winter, my favorites are the chickadees. With their winter feathers puffed out they look like plump apple cheeked girls to my mind. They bring a warm joy to winter’s chill. It is a pleasure to watch them gobble up the seeds from the bird feeders. I am even fond of the plain little sparrows like frown-haired matrons diligently working their way through the seeds.
Jesus said, “Consider the birds of the field –they do not sow or reap or gather into barns and yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ”Nowadays, I help out the heavenly Father by feeding the birds in winter, but the heavenly Father feeds them year-round. So, when you consider it, there is no reason to worry about the new year. With any challenge the new year presents, the grace of God will be with us.
The hymn printed in last week’s Parish Voice says it this way, “Another year is dawning: Dear Father let it be, in working or in waiting another year with Thee; Another year of progress, Another year of praise. Another year of proving Thy presence all the days. Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace; Another year of gladness In the shining of Thy face; Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast; Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest. Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love; Another year of training For holier work above. Another year is dawning; Dear Father, let it be, On earth or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.”_