This smart little guy is using his perch, so he can rest.
We put our hummingbird feeder back out a couple of weeks ago. My daddy had spotted some hummers at his house and had declared that it was officially time. Since he’s the hummingbird captain of our family, I put mine out and waited anxiously. A couple of days went by and I didn’t see any.
I was a little disappointed, but I patiently waited and one morning, one was there. I was like a proud new mama, so excited to see him. He was solo for another week. I made a new batch of nectar and hung it out there and then, there were three.
I have no idea why the tiny creatures delight me so much. They just do. I feel like they teach me new life lessons every spring when they return.
Yesterday, I was lamenting to my husband, wondering why the one currently feeding, wouldn’t rest on the provided perch. I specifically purchased a feeder that would allow them to rest. Why wouldn’t he rest? He’s grown accustomed to my hummingbird ponderings and didn’t bother to attempt to offer an explanation.
I wonder if Jesus feels the same way about us sometimes. He told us specifically that He would give us rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus also promised us peace if we would trust Him. He told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Peace and rest sound pretty good to this often tired and weary mama.
But, I have to ask myself, how often do I act like the little hummingbird who fluttered his wings constantly and refused to rest on the perch provided? How often do I bring needless anxiety and worry on myself when I worry about things completely out of my control or when I attempt to fix things I wasn’t called to fix?
The great perch of rest for Believers is prayer. Prayer is where our most effective work is accomplished, but how often do we forget that when we pray, we are then called to hand it over to Jesus and rest in the knowledge that He’s got it covered.
Our continued striving and worry gets us nowhere, but completely exhausted. A hummingbird reminded me that rest is a necessary part of the journey. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂