My old missionary friend who has been a support of our ministry for over 45 years wrote the following:
Yesterday, I held a beautiful baby tree swallow (fully formed and feathered) that did not survive the heat wave of the day. Two siblings did and this morning flew off with the mother.
As I reflect on death, I struggle with the words of the Psalmist and those of the Apostle Paul on the subject. I ask, “Father, I read their thoughts, but why all the pain in my heart?” Ultimately, I’m taken to the cross. I hear Christ cry out, “My God, my God!” He also uttered the word, “Father!” I know of the judicial act, where the Just died for the unjust. Then I see a relationship… I am His to be sheltered, to be healed, to be delivered from the last enemy of my life. How precious those truths are also.
For several days I used a sprinkler to cool down the tree swallow’s birdhouse nest in the hottest part of the day. Amazingly, the mother knew why and was not disturbed, and at times, would just be there by me on a branch, waiting for the ladder to be taken down. She would then continue her feeding. I think we sense certain angels of mercy and the Holy Spirit at times like these in our lives to face those hours when death comes our way. Two baby swallows are flying high this morning. That other little, precious life is in my care to lay to rest. I know the Father saw and cared. “Oh, my God, and my Father!”
Matthew 10:29-30
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Thanks, Al. The rest of you folks think about it.
Gary