I decided to give our backyard the “back to nature” look. As various weeds and wildflowers took over, it brought joy to my heart that fauna and flora were beginning to feel at home.

I could see several tall plants such as milkweed from my kitchen window. Displaying lovely white flowers and dark blue berries, beckoning birds to eat, they delighted my eyes. What a blessing! Robins, wrens, the cardinal family, and a variety of others visited. They shared their lovely songs as they plucked the berries from the vines.

Other wildlife came to visit as well: deer, roaming cats, and a groundhog. Each animal was looking for a delicious snack among the weeds.

One morning, I saw a young deer foraging. He was very small, but he was alert to his surroundings while taking the time to choose the tastiest morsels. He continued grazing in the backyard for a while. Then, to my surprise, he lay down by the fence, presenting a lovely picture of trust. He felt safe enough to rest in our backyard.

As the season changed, our winged visitors flew to other locations. I missed their daily visits. One morning, a wren landed on the ledge of the kitchen window and sang a greeting. This little singer was a gift from the Lord who was letting me know He knew my heart’s desire, and so He sent this special messenger to sing me a joyous song.

These animal visits might seem small and insignificant, but I consider them gifts from the Lord. They remind me of His love, and the birds and animals that visit fill my heart with gratitude.

The eyes of all look to You, and You give them food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

~Psalm 145:15-16 NIV

Friend, what fills your heart today? Are you daily looking for God’s blessings? Just as He opens His hand and provides food for my backyard visitors, His open hand brings delight and joy to our hearts. Let’s thank Him for His simple blessings such as those found in nature, and for other ways He shows He is active in our lives. Remember Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God not only works in nature, as we seek Him, but He also satisfies our longing hearts with more of His presence.

God loves you and He wants you to know this. In Romans 5:8, we read how He demonstrates His love, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price of sin that we could not pay. Jesus provided the way for us not only to receive forgiveness but also to have a relationship with our heavenly Father through Him.

What garden visitor has caused you to pause and give thanks to God who sees and loves you?

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and filling my heart with Your amazing love. Remind me daily to have an open heart and open eyes to see and receive the many blessings You provide for my enjoyment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2022: Backyard Visitors: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved