What do you see when you look at this tree?

Some see an almost barren, winter gum ball tree.  A representation of the season that is not a favorite of mine.  All I have to do is mention “gum balls” and everyone knows it has no value other than its ability to produce a seed ball that can get in lawn mowers and shoot out at ankles causing a deep gash, depending on the distance and speed of its trajectory! And forget walking barefoot.

Yet others see a chance to recharge, a chance to rest in a way that will bring the beauty of spring and renewal. All the while still seeing the irritating gum balls.

Now look closely.

I saw something in this lonely looking tree that I have never seen before.  

Ever.  

And I have looked at that tree for over 35 years.

Yellow Birds.

Dozens of yellow birds, picking out the seeds from those dreaded gum balls!  I always wondered where my precious yellow birds went in the winter, and would wait patiently each spring to see my first one. Were they always in my front yard and I was too busy to see them?(That’s another post for another time!)

My “yellow bird” or American Goldfinch has come to mean a lot to me through the years.  To make a long story very short, this bird has become my own personal rainbow. https://yelobrd777.com/2015/03/10/whats-your-personal-rainbow/

I know that God is very personal, and “yellow bird” has shown up over and over when I have needed him too.  This day I described was no exception.

Except I wasn’t looking.  The most I have ever seen together.  My heart has been emotionally broken for several reasons of late and I have been praying for so many serious issues…on the very day they showed up!

Is your heart broken too?

What’s the big deal? It is just a coincidence.

I feel differently. It was if God reached down and gave me His love in a way in which I was not expecting on a cold, blustery day in January.  He reminded me that He was here with me and had not left nor forsaken me.  

And in an irritating gum ball tree that I thought had no purpose at all.  Looks like the birds thought differently.  

And the Father did too.  He uses all situations, no matter how uncomfortable, how frustrating, how misunderstood… for His glory and He builds my faith.

What is your yellow bird?

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy