Joy in the blessing…

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17 (a) NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. Khalil Gibran

Do you remember the scenes from Disney movies where characters are feeding little birds? My husband and I first hand fed chickadees in the mountains in 2018, and I have etched in my heart the joyful childlike smile on his face as the small birds perched on his hands to take seeds. It truly is a simply magical and joyful experience; that joy is compounded when I share it with others. Over the years, I’ve gone up many times and accrued countless wonderful memories, including a very special time last year when all my adult children and I enjoyed a family outing. 

Yesterday, I was blessed once again by taking a group of friends up to the mountains to hand feed chickadees, including a few who had never done this before. Seeing their wonder and joy made me grateful to share the day and multiplied my joy! Each time these tiny, feathered beauties trust me enough to come and feed right out of my hands, I’m cheerfully amazed.

Kind of makes me think of how God derives great joy in providing unexpected blessings for us as we trust Him with our lives. Compared to God, we are little and fragile, just as chickadees are such small birds in the huge wild Sierra mountains.  God loves to give special out of the blue blessings to us, just as we love to share delicious healthy food with the little birds who normally search so hard in the forest for what they need and desire. When God gives that unexpected gift, whether big or small, I like to think of Him smiling in boundless joy as the gift of love is eagerly received.