Author’s Note: I wrote this for the deacons so they can have a church service set if our minister needs to take a Sunday off – I’m not sure it’s long enough for a sermon, but I was inspired by the last snowstorm to write it.

Before our last winter storm, I put food out for the birds that frequent the ground beneath our feeder, but it was quickly covered by the snow. Afterward, juncos arrived and started trying to find the seed, but to no avail. I watched from my kitchen, feeling sorry for them, until something extraordinary happened. These little birds who never feed anywhere but the ground started taking turns sitting on the feeder. Some were skittish but managed to overcome their fear, while some were content to sit in the snow and wait for the others to knock seed on the ground.  Watching them reminded me of what Jesus taught us about God’s protection: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your lives?” (Matthew 6:26-27, NLV) We all face difficult and painful challenges in our lives that cause us to worry – when will I find a new job? Will I be able to pay the mortgage? Will I recover from my illness? Can I save my marriage?  Stress can consume us, but we must have faith that God will see us through.  We have to let go of what we cannot control and trust that, just as He cares for all of his creation, He will shelter us under His mighty wings. If we don’t, our relationship with Him is diminished because we focus on the material instead of the spiritual. We must trust Him and when we do, we will find that God provides us with everything we need to grow in His love and light.