Wednesday 10 December 2008

God's Assignment today! Clean the bird feeder

Today I took the bird feeder down, the old seed had sprouted and some of the seed was moldy - it needed cleaning. You see, this was God's assignment today - and I don't even own a bird feeder. Let me explain.

It was the spring of 2005 I believe and a lady friend from church came up to mama and I, all excited, she was engaged and we were one of the first to know. She and the prospective groom were seniors, and were excited and had to tell someone!
A couple of weeks later, the pastor announced after Sunday morning service for everyone to remain seated after the benediction. Then the couple above came forward, exchanged vows, and were married! We all got to participate - what a neat way to start your marriage.

They are quite the couple - even today - but tragedy has struck. At about the same time, 2006, her husband and I started to develop moderate tremors - his advanced faster. His condition was diagnosed as Parkinson's, mine was not. As of four months ago his condition has required 24 hour medical care and he is now in a rehab center. Today I went to visit and pray with him. He sits in a wheel chair - and needs assistance to get in and out of the chair. We are hoping and praying with his wife that physical therapy will make some improvements.

I noticed outside his window two bird feeders - but no bird activity. He had a jug with some bird feed but I decided that the one feeder needed cleaning first before re-filling. I went outside got the feeder and brought it home and cleaned it. Mama and I then went and got more bird seed and went back to the rehab center. We rehung the bird feeder, filled the feeder, and then also refilled the jug. My friend was very appreciative and thanked us. He and his wife love to watch the birds come to the feeder.

This morning I prayed asking God to use me in any way He could - I was His for the day. I think my assignment today was; "papa clean the bird feeder." I Am glad I heard His voice.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Papa, you are the friend everyone needs.

My step-mother loved to feed the birds. I remember when she reached 93 and became bedridden she made sure I would feed the birds everytime I stayed with her.

From her bed she could look out the window and watch the birds. It was the best part of her day.

Indian Lake Papa said...

ED - I struggled with this post. I felt I needed to share, but did not want to sound like I was bragging about what I did. I think we both have hearts that want to help others, you, cats - me birds! lol Have a great day and a great Christmas! :o)

Char said...

Doesn't come across as a brag at all! Comes across as a caring and sensitive friend. May we all be responsive to those subtle nudges from the Holy Spirit.

Strider said...

Excellent....it is as easy as that. Bless you guys. Strider

Indian Lake Papa said...

Char - we had a Christmas concert at church tonight and his wife sat w/mama and I. We laughed about the bird feeder - she said that they really enjoy watching Blue Birds, Finches and a bunch others!

Strider - you never know what your 'assignment' will be - just have to attentive and obedient.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

What a sweet story. Papa has a tender spirit and I would imagine the couple loves you very much for your kindness. I believe God gives us specific things He wants us to do. They might be huge and they might be small,but the thing I believe He is watching for is obedience. They you for being obedient and always showing your love for others and the Lord!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Trish - one of papa's struggles in years past was having a tender heart. We listen better with a tender heart! I missed so many opportunities.

Life Adapted said...

Papa, I love this story - it shows me that God cares about every thing we do, even if it's cleaning bird feeders. God wants us to use our time like you did, caring for others and caring about the things other people care about. It's such a simple thing, but therein lies the beauty. God bless you for your kindness.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - God cares for each of us - He really does. This overwhelms me!

Technonana said...

Oh Papa... that was so special!! What a gift to be used of the Lord to bring even a small happiness to others. I know you will be richly blessed and knowing you, you already feel you have been.
I love to watch the birds too... and so I know what a precious gift this was to your friend!!
In Him,
Sharon

Indian Lake Papa said...

Sharon - papa learned to listen just a little better today.

Unknown said...

you are always so attentive to the Lords promptings. thank you Papa.

i am so sorry to hear about your friend. i know that is hard on and for you. how blessed he is to have you and Mama, the most beautiful prayer warriors, going before the Lord on his behalf.

papa, i love you. and i miss you so much!

Carol said...

You, my friend, are a faithful servant! God is well pleased!

Devoted said...

What a sweet thing to do. Isn't it wonderful to be the feet and hands of Jesus? May God richly bless you and Mama as you bless others.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - today, Thursday will be another day I need to pay attention closely - we will be attending the funeral of a friend. We love you and miss you too Tam.

Carol - and the week is not over. We start volunteer work at the PATH (shelter) on Friday. We will be taking residents job hunting - pray for us to be good witnesses.

Devoted - it was actually quite nasty - the bird feeder. But it was still fun and came out nice. Sometimes it makes me laugh after my 'assignments'.

Anonymous said...

Papa, your heart for the Lord gives me such encouragement to keep listening to all His promptings. I want to follow closely. I want to be obedient to all He asks of me.

I love reading your thoughts.

Thank You.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - Hope you read this - IT is so important to listen for those 'assignments' & "Divine Appointments'! We are His Ambassadors! His servants!

Anonymous said...

Those divine appointments are the best. I agree, Papa.

I used to set my schedule, thinking I was doing the best for Him. And it was good. Discipline is good. But then I started realizing I wasn't available for His promptings. I thought I was doing all He had asked, but in actuality I was getting my list before His.

Remember the chorus:
Whisper a prayer in the morning,
Whisper a prayer at noon,
Whisper a prayer in the evening;
It will keep your heart in tune.

I try to keep my heart in tune.
Thanks again.
Have a great weekend, Papa.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - I Love that chorus - I learned it as a child! Trying to sort out what I think He wants me to do and yet listening to his promptings has always been a challenge for papa!

lillinda said...

Papa,
My computer went all wacky and I lost most of the addresses in my address book. I know you emailed me. Next time I'll write it down somewhere else !
Your stories always perk me up. My mom has Parkinson's and although she is doing well, she has lost her joy.
If I could have one thing for Christmas, it would be to help her find it again.
You're story about being God's helper is great and no, it's not bragging, it's uplifting.
lillinda

Indian Lake Papa said...

lilLinda - I have my joy - but the tremors can be distracting and a real frustration - they wear you out physically as well as emotionally - God is able though!

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of times when God has spoken to my heart, and I thought "what?, it seems so insignificant" and it turns out to be huge to someone else..yep thats how HE works..amazing! Thank you for being such a great encouragement to the rest of us!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - I Am very humbled by how much He uses us in every day life. He wants us to be obedient in all things. Most of the things we miss are the little ones. I need to pay better attention.

CrossView said...

I'm glad you listened! Those "little things" aren't so little to the ones who can't do it but get so much enjoyment from it...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - I pray for good ears - I need to listen better. I turned a deaf ear the other day, mama caught it! Now to make it right!