Don and I sat in our kitchen nook, enjoying the delicious breakfast he prepared.

Outside, he’s placed two bird feeders. We watch sparrows, wrens, Spotted and California Towhees, Steller’s Jays, Western Scrub-Jays, Band-Tailed Pigeons, Mourning Doves, and others. One of my favorites is the little thrush with a brown body, red head and breast.

Towhees (Sparrows) and Woodpeckers

The Spotted Towhee is a large, colorful sparrow who is often heard before being seen. We don’t hear him from inside, but evidently, he makes a sound like “toe-eee,” which is the reason for his name. His black head, white breast, rust-colored flanks, and spotted back delight me every time I see him (or her).

Photo credit: Veronika Andrews

And, while the California Towhee is plain, he is just as precious in the eyes of his Maker.

And the woodpeckers … we have a family of beautiful Acorn Woodpeckers in a nearby tree. They are eye-catching with black wings, white cheeks and forehead, and a black chin. While the male has a stunning, fire-engine red crown, the female has a smaller red crown on the back of her head. We have had other woodpeckers too, including the gorgeous Ladder-backed Woodpecker, who is stark black and crisp white, with a red head and ladder-like white rows across his wings.

Don Cares for the Birds

I’ve learned more about birds since marrying Don, who has been a student of nature. He refills the feeders regularly and ensures the birds have water. Proverbs 12:10a says, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals…”

We are More Valuable to God than the Birds

So as I watched our cornucopia of birds this morning, I thought of the scriptures that tell me I am far more valuable to God than the birds, for whom He cares.

“And he knows the number of hairs on your head! Never fear, you are far more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.”

—Luke 12:7

I cherish this promise. My darling husband is nearing 100 years of age! Yes, really. People often tell him he looks between 70 and 80; he and I share so much joy together. And yet, I see his increased fatigue (although he still does our laundry, makes breakfast, keeps the yard beautiful) and know we are not promised tomorrow.

Held in the Master’s Hand

BUT we are both held in the Master’s hand, and He loves us. He knew each of our number of days from our conception. And if God sees every sparrow, how much more does He see us, our lives, our love for each other, our concerns for the future.

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

—Psalm 139:16

When I married Don, I told friends if God gave us five good years together, I would be grateful. In January, we celebrated our fifteenth anniversary! God has been so gracious to us.

For more of our story, see my article, “The God of Second Chances” in Today’s Christian Woman.

Cherish Each Day

Take time to sit and hold hands. I tend to be a workaholic, and need to stop and enjoy time focusing on my sweetheart. Touch is important to both of us, so hugs, holding hands, and cuddling are all high on our priority list.

Don serving in Mexico a few years ago

Be sure to tell your spouse, your children, siblings, parents, friends, that you love them. Tell them often. Tell them in different ways, sometimes in words, sometimes in caring actions, sometimes in turning away from your own work to help with a project.

I am deeply thankful for the years God has already given Don and me together, and for each day, month, year He will grant us going forward.

Related story by Cara Putman, “Thinking About The Things That Matter”

Give my Fears Back to our Loving Father

So even as I sometimes fear the future, I put my fears, and Don, back into the Creator’s hand, knowing our loving Father will never leave us nor forsake us, that He will guide and direct each step of the way, whatever the future journey entails.

Meanwhile, we will CELEBRATE!