Tag Archives: hummingbirds

A Tale of Caution

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Watch this video of one of our resident hummingbirds, and we’ll talk afterwards. Make sure to have your sound up.

Ok…..what struck you about sweet little Howard the Hummingbird? Was he content and happy, drinking his sweet nectar in the feeder? Or did he seem nervous, agitated, borderline obsessed?

Howard has declared himself the hummingbird bully of the yard. He will not allow any other birds to come near ‘his’ feeder, will body slam them if they do, and sits there giving himself a neck crick constantly looking back and forth for offenders.

What really struck me as I watch him, is that Howard is not happy with his possession. He hardly drinks, he doesn’t fly much except for his body slamming, and he seems paranoid. I feel sorry for Howard. The possession seems to own him.

So, a cautionary tale for yours and my Monday morning. I pray we can enjoy and use and appreciate the things we own, and not obsess over them.

P.S., as a side note, listen to the happy tweeting birds in the background….a peaceful juxtaposition to poor Howard.

P.S.S., I love Howard….I just wish he could relax a bit and be kind to the other guys. 🙂 Love, Lisa

Reminders

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A tiny, friendly hummingbird looked at me through the window yesterday evening. He didn’t seem particularly afraid as he gazed at me. His small body stayed still as his wings moved with unimaginable speed.

In my mind, I imagined that he was reminding me to fill the front hummingbird feeder, as it is getting low. Such are the thoughts of an animal personifier. 🙂

I am thankful for life’s reminders:

  • My wedding ring to remind me of the best husband in the world
  • Spring flowers after the harsh winter to remind me that God makes all things new, even things I think are past hope.
  • The check engine light so I don’t ignore my trusty car past fixing.
  • Memories of childhood….riding bikes, cartwheels in the yard, reading The Hobbit on repeat, playing badminton in the backyard till dark…to remind me of how to have fun and really relax.
  • My dog dinging his metal food bowl up against his water bowl, to remind me that he needs more food.
  • Memories of all the times God has rescued me through the years, pulled me out of unimaginable pits, to remind me that He is faithful and will never leave me nor forsake me.

So now, I am going to refill the hummingbird feeder.

Enjoy your day and all the little reminders. Love, Lisa

Surrender Things

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hummingbird

I noticed something this morning.  The dear hummingbirds, which we adore and feed and watch daily, do not share well.  There has been major fighting and buzz-by dive bombing, bird bullying, and intimidation tactics this morning over the newly filled feeder.  As always, God uses his creation to show me things in myself.  When I am worried about me, about what I get, about what I deserve, things turn ugly.  I become filled with anxiety, anger, entitlement, and arguments.

If the dear little birds just realized that we will continue to fill this feeder faithfully for them, that there is plenty for all, that the sugar water will keep on coming…..they could surrender and drink and be filled.  Peace.

That is what I need also.  Surrender control.  Trust without knowing.  Peace that passes understanding.

“”Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you.”  – Psalm 55:22

Love, Lisa

A Hummingbird Doesn’t Need Strong Feet to Fly

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Hummingbirds have feet, but they are very small and are used for perching, scratching, and other low key movements.  But a hummingbird doesn’t need strong feet to fly.

I have had several wonderful moments with hummingbirds in the past few years, and I feel that God is using this amazing creation to show me something very important.

In 2015, while I was struggling mightily to walk months after an ankle injury, I was pretty low.  We were on vacation at a lake house, and I was unable to participate in any of the family activities, like going down the stairs to the lake, or boating, or taking a walk.  I told myself it was ok, but it gets you down after months of the same.

I sat there on the porch alone, and a beautiful hummingbird flew and hovered directly in front of my face…..within a foot.  He stayed there for almost a minute.  I felt so amazed and uplifted, and thought about it the rest of the day.

The next day, I was sitting in the same chair, and he came back AGAIN!  And again, hovered and beat his beautiful wings right in front of me.  I knew God was sending me a sign that there is always hope, that there is always something to be excited about, that He is always with me.

Fast forward to Christmas 2019.  I had just had my fourth surgery on the same ankle since 2016.  Feeling a bit low again, as the cycle of injury and surgery seemed unending.  I opened up my present from my son and daughter-in-law…..a hummingbird necklace.  They did not know about my hummingbird experience.  It brought me to tears.  God is the same; He is still with me.  There is always hope.

The hummingbird doesn’t have strong feet, but oh, how he flies.

Praise God.

Love, Lisa