Do The Birds Know?

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The Coronavirus has rocked the world, dominating news channels, social media, and conversations. Last week alone, citizens around the world experienced massive change. The Walt Disney Company announced that both Disneyland and Disney World will be closed until the end of March; Toilet paper and disinfectant wipes are out of stock nearly everywhere in the country; School districts across the nation have closed their doors, and many universities and community colleges have switched to online lectures; Many churches are opting to gather and worship online; School dances, theater productions, and sports events are canceled; Coachella is postponed until October, and many musical artists are having to cancel their concerts; The healthcare system is facing overwhelming numbers of patients as the virus continues to spread; Many people are participating in social-distancing, and families across the globe are mourning the loss of loved ones.

Every person I see knows what’s going on. No one is uninformed or unaffected, not even the young children I work with at my job. I could simply say the word “virus” and watch a conversation explode around me. But as I watch the birds at my feeders, I wonder: do they know what’s going on? Do they worry about canceled plans and grocery lists and medical bills? I envy the white crowned sparrows as I realize the answer. No, the birds do not worry about canceled plans or grocery lists or medical bills. They don’t even have plans, lists, or bills to begin with! Nature seems entirely ignorant of the happenings of human life.

This got me thinking; maybe this is why humans find so much peace in nature. It’s like an escape from our daily anxieties and responsibilities. But I think it’s more than just an escape. I think nature can become a dear friend, a friend that doesn’t always try to fix your problems, a friend that simply listens to you and invites you to enjoy, have fun, and rest.

So in this crazy, unique time of life, I am reminded by the sparrows at my feeders of one fact: life goes on. When I broke my arm, the birds still sang. When I failed a test, the birds still ate. When my dog got attacked, the birds still flew. While I sit here today, not knowing what the next few weeks will bring, the birds are still walking, flying and soaring. I am reminded of this beautiful Bible passage in the book of Matthew:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:26, 28-30 NIV

Creation serves as a reminder to us that God loves us an unimaginable amount, and that he is in ultimate control. I’m incredibly grateful for the display of love and provision that I get to see every day outside my kitchen window.

I hope these thoughts might bring some encouragement in this time of uncertainty. Wherever you are, I hope you can find peace and comfort in the incredible masterpiece that surrounds you everyday. And for those who are unable to get outside, I thought I would share this link that Audubon recently sent out to all its members. It's a lovely collection of blog posts related to birding and mindfulness and photos/videos of birds guaranteed to make you smile.