'Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?'
The words of Jesus from Matthew 6 25-26
I do not feed the birds at Eight acres of Eden, I have no need to, for there is there is food in abundance on our forest property which is a haven for wildlife. I only have to glance up from my computer screen and look out the window to see my feathered friends such as the blue faced honeyeater arrive at the 'fly through' tree restaurant I have christened 'Mc Banskias'! Its numerous golden 'candles' are attracting birds in their droves and every few minutes another bird arrives, sometimes there are six or seven at a time - rainbow lorikeets, honeyeaters and eastern spinebills with 'designer' beaks, perfect for extracting the sweet nectar.
I love these birds! Especially the honeyeaters who hop along the pergola and remove the spiders who spin those messy webs that create so many cobwebs. I take great pleasure in taking a few moments out of my busy day to admire their stunning colours and striking markings - they have no need to ask 'Does this colour suit me?' or 'Do these feathers make me look fat?' and they never declare 'I have nothing to wear!'
And when it is time to eat they are fairly spoiled for choice. Where shall we go for breakfast today 'The Callistemon Cafe?' asks the Blue honeyeater. 'Ki-owt' replies the other honeyeater which roughly translates as ' Nah, let's go to Mc Banksias!'
I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful place, a banquet house for birds and daily I am reminded by God not to worry about my life. As Jesus spoke these words I am sure a bird was nearby or flying past. He reminds us that God our Heavenly Father feeds the birds! This is more than just the provision of nature for God is a person - Jesus does not say 'The birds find food', as if they came across it accidentally, he declares that it is provided from the hand of God - wow! Isn't that just incredible? As I observe the birds arriving on the branches I should be thinking 'God is feeding you guys - he cares for you and ensures that all you have need of is provided and then He tells me I am of more value! I do not have to worry!
Here is another of God's creatures that receives 'heavenly provision' at Eight Acres of Eden. The koala eats only the leaves of the eucalyptus tree of which there are many here including the species favoured by these furry marsupials. We often spot them and have on occasion been able to rescue sick koalas off the road and see them returned to their forest home after vet treatment. Just a little way in which we can exercise stewardship and care for God's magnificent creation. Every time I have the opportunity to observe a koala in one of our trees I am reminded that God provides for them and here in the forest that provision is in abundance. Not just food but the right kind of food in plentiful supply.
Our forest is also a source of life and shelter for insects, reptiles and my favourite amphibian, the green tree frog. I love to see the green tree frogs and if this was a not good place to live he would not be in residence here! God has provided him with a healthy habitat and everything he needs to thrive!
Living so close to nature, seeing every day how God my Father provides for the animal life He designed I cannot help but be reminded that He cares so much more for me, yet there are times when I forget to read and rely on His promises and I do not take him at His Word when he says if you ' ... seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things shall be added onto you'.
As tough times lie ahead, as power bills are set to soar here affecting the cost of everything else - food, fuel and other services, I will admit we have sat down and asked ourselves 'How on earth will we afford to live and afford the basics for day to day life when we have predictions of 60 percent rises within 3 years for electricity?' We already budget, we do not live extravagantly, we do not have cable TV subscriptions, private health care premiums or school fees to pay.
Worrying can set in and besiege our minds so as Christians we pray and recently I asked God the same question 'Lord, how will we afford to live in the days that lie ahead?' And his answer was to send a honeyeater - I call him my ' Heavenly honeyeater' who arrives daily to remind me that God my Father in Heaven who feeds this splendid creature with the naturally sweet food he desires and gives him the tools he needs to extract his food with, cares for me so much more, knows that I need all these things and tells me I need not worry about tomorrow - His hand will provide!
With Love and Joy,
