The painted bunting is a small bird. It looks as if it has been dipped into four different paint pots: blue, red, green and yellow, all brilliant in the sunlight, less noticeable in the shade. “Noticeable “ is an understatement , for the sight of one of these in a splash of sunlight is unforgettable. They look like brilliant gemstones clustered into a priceless brooch, and given the breath of life,

In watching these birds on the deck overlooking Possum Kingdom Lake, I was struck by how oblivious they are of the interest that human beings have in watching them. People come from other countries, and around the U.S. hoping to catch a glimpse of these small patterns of living color. The female bunting is lime green in color, with pale green buff color breast. Both male and female are small and seemingly fragile. Though they are not yet on the endangered species list, their numbers are declining.

I cannot see these these creatures without thinking of their creator and mine: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, and all who live in it, for He founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2) The many colors on the male remind me of the rainbow. When the Israelite people made a scroll of remembrance concerning those who feared the Lord, and honored His name, our God answered: “They will be mine” says the Lord, “when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17)

That a bird small enough to be held in a child’s hand should evoke so strong a response in human beings , speaks of the marvels of nature that God intends us to enjoy and for which he looks for praise and thanks. Noah saw the first magnificent rainbow, but we can see a rainbow in our own bird feeders, if not the painted buntings, then cardinals, blue birds, gold finches and an array of warblers to mention a few. I believe that the delight we experience in seeing God’s jewels is a delight that He shares with us while waiting to make us up into His own.

Love in Him,

Prue