The Bird Sent From God

I sat outside as I usually do, reading from the Psalms, when an unfamiliar sound graced my ears — then once more.
Those two interruptions were all I heard of it. I immediately fixed my eyes on the tree top directly ahead, hoping to catch a glimpse of the source.
Moments later, a beautiful, jet black bird bounded out from the tree, flying a bit haphazardly in an undulating motion— her tail long and thin, heart shaped at the tip. In total, she measured just over a foot, six inches attibuted to the tail itself. I would later find out that she was likely a black drongo.
I thought that was the last I would see of her as she glided out of sight, just behind a tree off to my right, but not two minutes later, I caught glimpse of her once more flying behind some distant trees. She would end up perching herself in a little window among the branches. What a gift. Of all places she could have landed, she landed in such a breach.
Slowly she began to hop her way across the branches, eventually making her way to the uppermost limb. She couldn’t have picked a better spot to be gazed upon. It’s as if she knew I was watching and wanted to show off her beauty.
Shortly thereafter, again she bounded into the air, flying off out of sight.
Birds truly are beautiful creatures with beautiful songs. Much they have to offer to humanity — to ones who wait and watch. So many people lack the awareness that such beauty exists in their own backyard. They have failed to become acquainted with the beauty that surrounds in exchange for the tasks of the day and the distractions in the pocket.
Beauty takes time. She remains hidden and reveals herself only to those that are worthy — those that are willing to wait on her. Do you know what she sounds like?
Over the last year and a half, I have found a connection with God in the birds. His voice is found in their songs — His presence in their flight — His beauty in their plumage. They’ve been a great blessing and sign of faithfulness to me.
I anticipate a day in the future that is to come, one that will be extremely trying, and in that tough spot, I’ll be on watch for a bird, and I believe God will send it. I am waiting for that moment, not because I seek pain or struggle, but because I know God will prove Himself faithful.
This morning I awoke with a busy mind. My mind was a running and a skipping all over the place as I brewed my coffee. Mornings like that are usually not good. They set up a day that is lacking the full peace that God desires for me. Even time in the Word usually does not remedy such a mind.
That was the condition of my mind and heart as I went outside, as I do every morning, to begin my prayer time — full of distractions.
It is in that moment that God sent me the bird. It was the first time in a year and a half that I’d ever seen that particular bird. It was as if God been waiting for such a time to release her.
God sent me that bird to quiet my mind and spirit. It worked like nothing else. I was freed up to enter the presence of God.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2–3)
He sends me beautiful birds — birds that carry His presence — birds of peace.

