A Lesson in the Birdseed

by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor

The old shed sits at the bottom of a gentle slope not far from the house. Its weathered barnwood stands in sharp contrast to the blanket of newly fallen snow. Inside, among the clutter of garden tools and odd pieces of long forgotten furniture, is a container filled with wild birdseed.

As the sun inched its way toward high noon, I decided this might be the best time to fill the bird feeders scattered around the old homestead. The blanket of snow measured about six inches, and although beautiful, beneath its cloth of woven diamonds lay patches of hidden ice.

Six inches of snow, patches of hidden ice, and a gentle slope leading to the shed spell trouble for this grandma prone to falling.

My grandson called to me from upstairs, “Grandma, where ya going?”

“I need to feed the birds.”

“Wait a minute and I’ll help you.”

Under my breath I whispered, “Thank You, Jesus” and pulled on my boots.

Jamison bounded down the stairs, grabbed his jacket and laced up his boots.

“I declare! Your feet are bigger than mine now,” I said shaking my head from side to side. “How did that happen?”

“Oh, Grandma,” Jamison said with his best thirteen year old attitude.

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We trudged together through the snow toward the shed. When we got closer Jamison said, “Grandma, let me go down the hill first so I can look out for the slick spots.”

Jamison stepped carefully through the snow, testing each step to see if it was sound. He made it all the way to the shed’s door leaving clearly defined footsteps in the snow.

“Ok, Grandma. Your turn. Step in my steps to find your way down.”

And that’s exactly what I did. I placed my feet squarely in each step Jamison had made and arrived safely at the shed.

1 John 2:6 reads, “He who says he abides in Him [Jesus] ought himself to walk just as He walked.”

Clearly this scripture is figuratively speaking, but I couldn’t help but see the parallel in my stepping with intention into Jamison’s footprints. I trusted Jamison to lead me safely down the hill, to go before me to lead me through harm’s way. As long as I didn’t stray from his steps, I was safe from falling.

I know the Lord goes before me and will lead me safely along as I follow Him with intention, seek to obey His Word, and love Him with my whole heart. Isn’t it wonderful to know that what He does for me, He will do for you? And He makes it so simple! We’re the ones who complicate things.

Jesus said, “Follow me. I will direct your steps.”

It’s that simple.

Jamison and I filled smaller containers with the birdseed and set out on our mission. High above us in the old apple tree a cardinal watched and sang a song of praise.

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