I enjoy witnessing God’s miraculous work amid my ordinary, hectic days. Today was one such extraordinary encounter.

The day started as they all do, up at 5:00, a cup of tea and some reading, but unlike most, I needed to bake scones for the week before the heat of the day intervened. This baking endeavor delayed my walk by an hour, which then pushed back my time in the garden, watering veggie plants and flower pots. With this added baking chore and the delay in my garden time, God peeked in. 

I walked by the pool and saw something floating in the water. Initially, I couldn’t identify it, but upon closer look, it began to move! Wings flapping, causing the water to fly in the air. It was a pigeon, and for a brief minute I thought perhaps she had floated in from the small bridge that joins the pool and spa. I’ve often seen birds perched on the bridge, bathing and getting a drink. But no, she couldn’t fly. 

I reached into the water to try and lift her out, but she was able to move away. So, I did what any rationally minded wife does: I called for my husband. (It’s worth mentioning that my husband was a pigeon enthusiast during his teenage years. He had a coop with several birds and possesses a wealth of knowledge about these feathered creatures.) He stepped out of the house, I pointed to the pool, and he responded with wisdom, “Lift her out of the water!” I refrained from giving him the “eye” and assured him that I had tried. But then it dawned on me—it’s a pool! I could simply get in the water. So, I removed my sandals, pulled my pants over my knees, and jumped in. As I emerged from the pool, hubby was there to help, and we laid our newly discovered feathered friend on the carpet to dry.

I asked my friend Google what to do for an injured bird, and it said to place her in a safe place, don’t try to feed her or give her water, and watch her closely. 

And that is what we did: into a box she went. We watched her throughout the day and into the evening, and as we watched, she regained her strength, was able to stand, and finally roost. 

As night approached, my husband formed a plan. He reached back into his childhood bird encyclopedia and remembered that pigeons won’t fly at night, but come first light, they will take off. He also offered that if we kept her crated for 7-days, she would become a homing bird. To which I offered a “Thank you but no!” 

He suggested that we place her in a dog crate to protect her from any animals that might cause harm, then, at sunrise, give her a little food and open the cage. If she is well, she will fly away. 

And that is what I did. I fed her wild bird seed, opened the cage, and the next time I checked, the cage was empty. Our feathered friend was gone!

So, why did I share that long-winded tale about my day and a bird? Well, because if God hadn’t rearranged my morning, I could have easily missed our feathered friend’s need. A little too early, and she wouldn’t have been in the pool. A little later, and she could have drowned. And here is the small piece of truth I hope you can hear: if God goes to these extraordinary measures to save a bird, what lengths will he go to to care for you and me? 

The next time your schedule feels chaotic, or you encounter delays or changes, take a moment to reflect on what God might be doing. Then, take another moment to pray a simple prayer: God, show me what you would have me do. This small act of faith might just shift your perspective, and you might be pleasantly surprised to see God working in the intricate details of your day.

Be blessed,