My Perfect Bird Feeder

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2: 4-5, 8-10 NIV)

            Purple and orange spikes rose from vibrant plants along my patio. I marveled at their transformation. 

            Last summer, I purchased the dejected plants from the clearance rack at Lowes. Some appeared almost ready for the compost heap. But as I searched through the scraggly sale items, a few looked salvageable and could grow when given tender care. 

            With water and sunlight, they improved and even bloomed. But after last winter’s repeated freezes, the plants turned brown and drooped to the ground. In the spring, I cut them almost to the ground and hoped they would recover. Within a short time, green shoots appeared. Stems grew tall and flowers covered the towering spikes. 

            Never had the plants been so tall and hearty. They soared three feet into the air and waved delicate blooms. Bees zoomed from orange to purple blossoms and back. 

            A hummingbird visited daily while I read my devotions. His long beak dipped deep into the flowers. With nearly invisible wings, he hovered and performed a happy dance around the colorful display.  

            I remembered years ago that Alan continually filled our hummingbird feeder with red syrup to attract the tiny birds, but we rarely had visitors. Even though I loved watching birds, I didn’t want to care for bird feeders. 

            How thankful I am that God rejuvenated my pitiful plants.  He brought beauty into my garden and transformed the flowers into perfect feeders for my daily guests. 

            God also revives and saves dejected, messed up people so they can bloom and share His love with others. 

Creator, thank you for providing for all of your creatures. Help us share because of what you have done for us. Amen