By Lois Hewitt

Today I took the time to catch up on my prayer list. I took all the miscellaneous post-it-notes and little pieces of paper in my wallet and in my purse and I started a new, updated prayer list. My surprise was unbelievable. Never in my life have I had such a long list of people in need.

This is not a general, hope-all-is-well prayer list. There is some serious stuff going on. My heart broke for friends and family struggling with all manners of illnesses, the ones trying to deal with the loss of a loved one, a myriad of mental health issues and so much more. I, myself, have been struggling for weeks with high anxiety.

As I look around at this world we all live in, I see hated and strife. I see a lack of caring. I see those who want only their way. I see sick foods, sick buildings and sick air. It’s no wonder our bodies and minds are falling ill. No one ever promised that the human condition would be an easy one but this is the worst I can remember.

But today I saw the sweetest little bird outside on our porch with the most beautiful of songs. She was trying to make a nest in our Christmas tree (yes it’s still up…don’t judge me). She has no arms to gather straw and she has nothing that would seemingly make her life easier. Except for God. He promised to take care of the birds, the bears, the flowers and all living things. That’s how she can sing because she inherently knows she is taken care of.

The verse goes, shouldn’t we be of more value than the birds and flowers? Of course we are. We are God’s children and He is a father who loves His children. That love never equated to easy times all the time. But it does say He will be with us in our times of need.

I don’t know about you today, but I need to be one of God’s children. I’m tired and want to give up but He sent a little bird to remind me to sing today. He reminded me that He is taking care of things. I may not see it but that does not mean it’s not true. He has you in His arms today and every day my friend. Hang on tight and feel His love. It may be dark right now but I promise the sun, she isa comin’