Small, black-capped, with classic white and gray markings, the tiny bird landed on the arbor post. (Not Sylvester’s post, mind you. The one east of it.) It squatted for just a few moments, and like my red bird from A Curious Little Bird, looked right towards our patio doors. It sat there long enough for me to exclaim, “Look! A chickadee!”
I’ve rarely seen chickadees, one of my favorite birds, in the wild. The last time was fourteen years ago at our family’s cabin in the mountains, the last Christmas my dad was alive. To see one now flew a bit of joy and nostalgia straight into my heart.
An internet search revealed many cultures find spiritual meaning in birds. According to author Jim King (see Black-Capped Chickadee symbolism, faith3.org) chickadees represent playfulness, curiosity, light-heartedness. They encourage us to “let go of our worries and experience freedom from a lighthearted perspective.” And “to release the constraints that hold us back and embrace a life full of fun, laughter, and a sense of awe.”
Grieving a long season of estrangement from several loved ones, I have found little gifts from God help me to release my cares to Him and not lose hope. Just the right Bible verse that says exactly what I needed to hear. Repeated moments of unexpected joy and comfort in nature, such as the cooing of mourning doves when my heart is sore. Receiving inspiration to write stories like A Curious Little Bird. Or a small, black-capped chickadee resting on the arbor.
Encouragement often comes in small packages. Snippets of sunlight in a child’s laugh, a high-five through the window from the neighbor’s cat, Johnny Jump-ups determined to bloom in the sidewalk crack. Evidences of whimsy, and resilience. Little gifts from the heart of our Good God who sees us individually.
If you’re in a hard season, I hope you notice the small glimmers of hope that come your way. The soft smile, a sweet memory, an unexpected moment that lifts your heart. These are the things I’m thinking of when I say, “And may your own curious little bird surprise you!” However it comes, I hope it brings you joy. Blessings! 💞
Dew Upon The Arbor 