An immature female Northern Cardinal with a cool hairdo
Article by Norma Beaird
Photography by Curtis and Norma Beaird
Sometimes, in the midst of difficult decisions, constant concerns, and waiting for doors to open, God makes us smile. Usually, waiting is not easy. Answers don't always come immediately after we pray, but sometimes God gently nudges us and reminds us that everything will be okay.
The valley of decision can be a deep and impatient valley. And, it's during those times that we need to look outside of our situation and think about something new and different.
Carolina Chickadee waits for the male Northern Cardinal to move!
On those days, when it seems the answer will never come.....
On those days, when it seems you can't see a light at the end of a tunnel.....
On those days, when you feel discouragement eclipsing your joy.....
God will give us a reason to smile.
We had been feeling particularly frustrated about a decision that needed to be made. No matter where we had looked, we couldn't find an answer. The frustration was like the summer humidity in Georgia, stifling and overwhelming.
....and then I looked outside to see the most adorable little Cardinal with her little top-knot of hair standing straight up. In a single moment, I forgot my frustrations and concerns and laughed out loud as I thought, "Why doesn't my hair gel work like that?"
Nature photography has provided us many opportunities to smile and forget our worries and concerns. Consequently, today was no different because the Lord wants us to trust Him completely for answers, decisions, provision, healing and protection.
Hebrews 11:11
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
The Lord wants us to keep the faith. Therefore, when we're in a tailspin because we can't find answers to our questions or confirmation for our decisions, He sometimes draws us outside in nature, reminding us that as He takes care of the birds and the animals, He will take care of us as well. God reminds us that everything will be okay......and He makes us smile.
Our Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Papa) and junior flying off in the background
Matthew 6: 27 - 30
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you,
That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,
O ye of little faith?
Copyright 2013, Norma Beaird. All rights reserved.
All scripture is King James Version