Robin Reminders of God's Faithfulness

It is a mystery of nature! On the first week of January my husband and I saw a large flock of robins as we took our afternoon walk. They were enticed to gather around a crabapple tree in our complex that was still laden with tiny crabapples. My first thought was, "Hooray! Spring is coming early this year." When I returned home, I did some research and learned that this is not necessarily so.
 
The migration pattern for robins is variable. As the breeding season ends and the babies have been raised, robins begin to gather in flocks. At times they will head south, but not always. Some just move to the nearest woodland, especially those with evergreen cover. Here they are still able to find some grubs, worms, and insects. In the winter, the robins also depend upon fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and vines for sustenance.
 
Some of the robins who stay in their home territory will be joined by other robins who have migrated from areas further north. This is when large nomadic flocks are formed for the winter. These flocks are formed for safety from predators and for greater ease in finding food. Robins need to be flexible about their habitat. Some years fruit seems to be produced in greater abundance than others. The birds instinctively know if they need to migrate or can "stay put." For those who do migrate, we can expect them to return home on or about the time of the vernal equinox or March 20th.
 
I have believed for years that the appearance of flocks of robins in the winter is a harbinger of spring. Sadly, my bubble has been burst. Still, anytime of the year, when flocks of robins gather to peck the ground for the easily available worms after a rainstorm, there is an excitement that wells up inside of me. Their appearance excites me, and a reawakening feeling comes upon me. I am finally able to identify this as an assurance from my Heavenly Father that He cares for me and demonstrates His love and provision even through the birds.
 
This brings to mind the Scripture in Matthew 6:25-34 where we are told to entrust our lives to Him. "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet their heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life...So, do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
 
In the future, I will use my robin sightings as a reminder of the faithfulness of God and will let His peace and encouragement wash over me. I will end this meditation with Psalm 100 and hope that it reminds you of the love and faithfulness of God for us. "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. The Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."