WINTER’S snow is thickly falling, and soon the ground, as well as the trees and the bushes, will be robed in a mantle of white. And what will the poor birds do then, for the ground will grow hard with the frost, and there will not be any worms or insects for them to feed upon! Even the leafless branches of the trees will not afford them food as in summer.
We might think they must soon starve to death. But, no; God takes care of even the little birds. He feeds the sparrows; He hears the raven’s cry.
In our picture today, we see a dear child feeding the birds; and from near and from far, they seem to be coming at his call. If he had not shown them kindness, they would keep at a good distance; but they have received good at his hand, and now, without fear, they come close to him, and eagerly pick up the sweet crumbs that he has in readiness for them. Does it not give you pleasure, as you look upon the picture, to see how happy and confident these little creatures are!
Let us learn from it, two little lessons. First; may we learn to show kindness to all of God’s creatures. God cares for them, and we should care for them. Second; let us thankfully recognize God’s care over us. While He thinks of the little birds, and cares for them, He tells us we are of “more value than many sparrows.” He does not wish us to be troubled about what we shall eat and what we shall wear. He would have us take these cares to Him who cares for us. He tells us to consider the ravens, for He feeds them; and to consider the lilies which He clothes so beautifully. He tells us too, that He will feed and clothe us, and we are not to be of doubtful mind. He gives us this beautiful word, “Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” Should not this be enough for our hearts?
ML 02/22/1903