While we're waiting for those paintings to emerge, I'll share some thoughts about that mysterious heart-string connection people seem to have with these little creatures.
Whenever I start a painting, I really like to study my subject well. I found, for instance, that chickadees only live two-three years and usually have the same mate each spring. They're great to have around because they feed on insects mostly. They eat twice as much in winter when insects are scarce, which is why it's easy to tempt them to eat from your hand.
Ok...those are just birding facts. But what IS that elusive tug we feel toward the little creatures? I have a theory. I think it's because we empathize with their vulnerability and we aspire to be as resilient.
If you've ever watched birds foraging in your backyard, then you've no doubt seen their little heads always turning, tilting, and jerking to and fro...ever keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats.
And yet, they keep right on. They don't hole up for days when they get discouraged, like humans do sometimes. They keep right on building their nests and filling their bellies, and making new chickadees....doing all the things they were designed to do.
That is why I personally enjoy watching them and feeding them. They remind me that the One who cares for them also cares for humankind...that while I try to navigate this world I move in with caution, I can keep right on doing the one big thing I was designed to do...draw attention to Him who designed us both.
So hey! After two years of healing, my knee is finally ready to go do some serious bird-watching. Gotta go dig out the binoculars.
Jan
