When the Wind Blows

        Yesterday morning, the weather station posted a twenty-four-hour wind advisory warning for our area. They were correct that 20–35 mph wind gusts could be expected. On this warm Spring day, I enjoyed the breeze as I made our daily trail run through our wooded property in the golf cart with our dog, Scout, running alongside me. This is his favorite pastime daily; he often reminds us when it's time to run. Running the trails with Scout is also one of my husband's and my favorite times because it greatly pleases our little companion. But today took on a somber note as we entered the first trail.
        Although cardinals feed on our feeders near our house, earlier this week, I saw a male cardinal in the woods for the first time since we've lived here. Today, I was surprised to see a male and a female as we entered the woods' first trail. But immediately, I knew something was amiss because they were frantically circling and dipping towards the ground. Then I spotted her. One of their babies had fallen from the nest, and they desperately wanted to pick it up but were helpless. That's when Scout spotted the little one. Another of his favorite pastimes is playing with baby birds and rabbits that he finds. His problem is that he plays too hard and for too long.
        The wind gusts were not as welcoming as before when I realized the havoc they wreaked on nesting birds. I know that the death of God's innocent little creatures is part of nature's circle of life, but it still saddens my heart every time I witness it happening.
        I wrote an article several years ago about a baby bird that fell from its nest in a high hedge under our kitchen window. I wondered if distraction or carelessness as it walked the edge of the nest caused it to fall. I erroneously didn't consider that an unsuspected outside force like a gust of wind could have caused it to fall. But whatever the reason was, its mother and father frantically circled their little peeping fledgling, chirping loudly as if trying to console and rescue their fallen baby but could not. They were helpless, and sadly, the baby bird rejected my help. Each time I tried putting it back into the nest, his fear of me repeatedly caused it to fall out.
        Sometimes, the unforeseen happens, and people desperately need rescue but look to the wrong source, not the truth they need to hear. Some don't turn to God because they don't know Him or His loving care or may know Him but don't feel worthy of asking for help because they have wandered too far from where they should be. Others are unaware of their condition or don't think they need help, struggling through life in their fallen state.
        Then there are some people, like the baby bird possibly blown from its nest, who, through unforeseen circumstances, are thrust into unfair, dangerous, or even life-threatening situations. But nature's circle of life, unfairness, and things we don't understand will continue to happen to good people until time on this planet ends and God creates a new heaven and Earth.
        The apostle Peter wrote, "Nevertheless, we, according to His [God's] promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13. He also said that the Lord's longsuffering is salvation (v. 15). One day, heaven and Earth will be perfect again; righteousness will reign as it did at the beginning of creation. Until that day, God loves and wants to save all mankind, but sinners must repent and yield to His authority. 
        The winds of life will blow, and sometimes, the breeze they bring is unwelcome and challenging. But we can turn to our heavenly Father for help with our concerns and struggles; He wants you and me safely where we should be—with Him.