God & Hummingbirds
One of my families’ favorite things to do on Saturdays, is sit on the back porch, relax, read and have a morning cup of coffee. Sometimes, in my case, that morning cup of coffee can be a little late. But, in my mind, it doesn’t matter how late it may be, the first cup of the day is always considered my “morning cup.” Rainy days with a slight chill in the air are always the best. Each year, around the same time, Pam and I get our porch, deck and pool ready for the summer. We go and purchase palm trees, plants, ferns, flowers, wicks and citronella for the tiki torches, chemicals for the pool and what I call “magic-juice” for the hummingbird feeder. The feeder has been dried up, completely empty for almost nine months. Year after year, we end the day completely exhausted but yet amazed as we look around at God’s handy work and our labor. The last thing we do is fill the feeder with the “magic-juice,” and then we sit back and wait. Every year…I have no idea how, but from out of nowhere, a hummingbird comes and starts drinking. It has always been a mystery to us, as to how this happens. I always joke and say that there must be a Master Bird that rings an outdoor bell and says, “come and get it!”
As we watch the tiny creature, we are reminded over and over how the hummingbird is one of God’s greatest creations. In reality, we really should not be amazed by anything God has done, is doing or can do. The hummingbird is the only species that can fly backwards and upside down and is capable of sustainable hovering. In order to hover, its wing speed reaches up to 200 “flaps” per second and when migrating, they can fly 18-20 hours without stopping. Their heart rates exceed 1200 beats per minute and have the fastest beating hearts in the animal kingdom. They also can fly up to 30 mph and 60 mph when diving. When you see a hummingbird, it is impossible not to think of God and His power and creativity. I chuckle to myself of the thought of two of these incredible birds, zipping around Noah’s Ark – hovering in front of an elephants face, circling past a giraffe’s head or challenging a cheetah to a race from one end of the ark to the other. It also makes me think about how God is always close by. For nine months, we may spiritually be “dried up”, but He is always around the corner.
When I stop to think about the tradition we have, I can’t help but think about God and how creative and masterful He is from the different plant types, the potting soil, the citronella that helps keep the mosquitos at bay (can’t really figure out why he created them), to the beautiful varieties of flowers that we choose from each year. But yet, we take so much for granted. Next year when you are getting ready for summer, take the time to look for God in your preparation. And if you choose to get a hummingbird feeder along the way, remember, He is always waiting.
