As I sit at my desk at the “Homestead” I can look out the window and watch the hummingbirds at the feeder right outside the window. The little birds, actually the smallest of all birds, is a testament to the majesty of God’s creation. This amazing creature is a sight to behold. An average hummingbird’s heart rate is more than 1,200 beats per minute. In comparison, a human’s average heart rate is only 60-100 beats per minute. The hummingbird’s wings move at about 50 beats per second which allows them to appear motionless while flying. The hummingbird must consume approximately one-half of its weight in sugar daily, and the average hummingbird feeds five to eight times a day. It will also eat small insects, spiders and sip tree sap along with juice from broken fruits. Our feeders at the “Homestead” are filled with a mixture of red sugar water. The red color of the feeder along with the red sugar water attracts the hummingbirds. The hummingbird has the ability to convert these sugary substances into energy with 97 percent efficiency. The humming bird cannot walk. They use their feet to build nests, fight, perch, or scratch themselves. Their legs are disproportionately weak and short. They are able to shuffle sideways in slow motion to cover short distances. The strength of their wings is more than adequate to make up for their weak legs.

There are many more interesting facts about hummingbirds but they all point to a masterful Creator. The movement of the hummingbirds’ wings is invisible to us but their remarkable ability to hover in a stationary position is proof positive that even while appearing to be still they are quite active. This unique fact reminds me of how God is always at work even when we cannot physically see His activity. Sometimes we need a reminder, even from the smallest of birds, that although unseen to our eyes, just as the hummingbird’s wings, God sustains us while remaining invisible to us.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you be reminded of the activity of God even though unseen. May the small hummingbird allow you to rejoice in God’s unseen activity and provide you with enough trust to allow God to be God. May you never forget as a disciple of Christ that God is enthusiastically sustaining you even if His activity is unseen.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike