I’m only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree;
My life is of little value,
But there’s One who cares for me.
He gave me a coat of feathers—
It is very plain, I know;
With never a speck of crimson,
For it was not made for show.
But it keeps me warm in winter,
And it shields me from the rain;
If bordered with gold or purple,
Perhaps it would make me vain.
And now that the spring-time cometh,
I will build a little nest,
With many a chirp of pleasure,
In the spot I like the best.
I have neither barn nor store-house,
And I neither sow nor reap;
God gives me a sparrow’s portion,
But never a seed to keep.
If my meal is sometimes scanty,
Close picking makes it sweet;
I’ve always enough to feed me,
And life is more than meat.
I know there are many sparrows—
All over the world we’re found,
But the rather in heaven knoweth,
When one of us falls to the ground.
Though small, we’re never forgotten,
Though weak, we’re never afraid,
The Father in heaven keepeth
The life of the creatures He made.
I fly through the thickest forest,
I light on many a spray,
I have no chart, nor a compass,
But I never lose my way.
And I fold my wings at twilight,
Wherever I happen to be,
The Father in heaven watcheth,
And no harm can come to me.
I’m only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree;
But I know my Father loves me,
Dost thou know His love for Thee?
ML 06/03/1945