The Least of These

Hello Dear Readers,

I just want to share a sweet story with you. It began several weeks ago with my family watching Mama Hummingbird making her nest in an arbor out front. The beauty and camouflage of her precious dwelling is awe-inspiring, but being the super-nerd I am, I began researching Hummingbirds and now I am beyond impressed with these little creatures.

To help Mama with her heavy responsibilities, we placed extra feeders around the yard so she could eat closer to home. The rest is up to her, right? Well, that didn't satisfy my little brother. The biggest animal lover and softy that ever lived took it to the next level.

Dallas Raines was forecasting BIG RAIN with his magical Megadoppler, so immediately we worried about Mama and her wee babies- after all, she didn't have very much protection in the sparse tree. While Mom and I sat in bewilderment, Dr. Doolittle went straight to work. He pulled out the ladder, descended to the heavens, and STUCK AN UMBRELLA OVER THE NEST! Yes. An umbrella. Mission accomplished!

Nervous Nelly Me was scared Mama would flee in terror and abandon those tiny little eggs, but I was wrong. Thanks to Wikipedia, I learned that Hummingbirds (and birds in general) don't "smell" humans and therefore will NOT skip out on their tainted children. Phew! Mama returned to her cozy home as if nothing happened.

Well, Dallas was right for once and the rain came. We took turns checking on the fun-sized family and were delighted to see a dry and happy (I think) bird. Then the rain left as soon as it arrived. Winter in California- officially over.

BUT, we left her cover in place. I really think she likes it! On one of her outings I lugged out that awkward ladder (I really hate carrying those things) and tried to take a peek. The placement of the nest plus the umbrella made it almost impossible, but I was able to spy teeny-tiny beaks gawking at the sky. Mazel Tov!

Still hatch-lings, we eagerly await their development and hopefully add two more members to our avian yard-family. Caring for God's creatures fills a hole in me like nothing else does (don't ask how many rescue animals we have!) and watching my little brother do the same sparked a tenderness in me that should be there more often- especially toward God's human creatures.

So, this post is a reminder about "caring for the least of these" and encouraging others to do so (Matthew 25:40). It's easy to look away, pretend to be busy digging in your purse, or feign interest in the lint on your pants when "the least of these" needs help. Lord knows I'm the guiltiest of all. So, hopefully you are encouraged to be brave and loving. Watching little bro encouraged me, so this is for him.