Sunday I put up two hummingbird feeders—motivated by the discovery that hummingbirds were visiting the patch of catmint in the center of the cul-de-sac in front of our condo. We don’t see them often around our place, which, because of the abundance of shade, is devoid of flowers. And, frankly, Michigan is not the hummingbird capital of the world. East of the Mississippi, there is only one type: the ruby throat.
When we lived in Southern California several years ago, we were spoiled: we’d typically draw six different species to our feeders: Anna’s, Allen’s, Costa’s, Rufous, Calliope, and Black-chinned. And they were royal entertainment.
In order to be generous, we hung two feeders on the opposite sides of a long patio overhang. That’s when we discovered the ungenerous nature of these
delicate creatures: they don’t like to share if they can help it. I guess it’s in the genes that when hummers discover a source of food, they stake their claim to it and then spend hours every day chasing away other birds—even, or maybe especially, “birds of a feather.” Some tried to claim both feeders and raced back and forth each chasing off the “owner” of the other. We would spend much leisure time watching these wars—often commenting that they would not have to take in so much nectar if they learned to live at peace with each other.
I was surprised one day when I was taking down a feeder to refill it. One of the brazen little birds came and hovered up to within six inches of my nose, seeming to say “take your hands off my food, buster!” I could have easily snuffed out its proud little life but instead laughed at its audacity.
Then I realized how much this was like people getting into the face of God, angry at being deprived of that they consider theirs—not seeming to have a clue that without God they would 
have nothing. That the bird didn’t understand that a temporary loss would ultimately be gain was also like people and God. Isn’t it a wonder also that God tolerates our pride and audacity?
Our heavenly Father often takes things away from us in order to give us more—or perhaps end a dependency that’s ultimately harmful for us. Maybe it’s His way of moving us on to some other area of service. One thing is sure: we can trust our loving Father to do what is right, even if we don’t understand the way He takes. It is good to be reminded of this by reading again the words of the prophet Isaiah:
Isaiah 55:6-11. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that He may have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
See you outdoors!
Dean
May 27th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Hummingbirds are a favorite of my wife and me, and here in North Carolina, they are plentiful. For the most part, your statement about the only species east of the Mississippi being Ruby Throated is correct. I have a friend who is a county park ranger who specializes in birds, and bands “hummers” generally in the fall of the year to help determine migration. Those birds are amazing. They fly to Mexico and even further south, only to return usually to the same locations they left from.
Well, last fall, he got a call from a lady with a hummer bird feeder that made a picture of a Rufous!! My ranger friend hopped right over and sure enough the Rufous was still there and stayed for a couple of weeks.
During banding last fall, he allowed my grandchildren to “hold” the birds for a few seconds prior to the dazed creatures coming too and flying off. That was a treat.
I will laugh at anyone who tries to tell me that these fantastic birds evolved from a lower form (that goes for any other creature for that matter).
May 27th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Dean,
I am a Christian and my church affiliation is Southern Baptist.
I am 61 1/2 y/o. I am not a minister.
For more than thirteen years the Lord has had me working on Outdoor Christian Education. I did not grow up being an outdoor person. This is the Lord’s doing.
I have been discourged, disappointed and shuned and rejected by preachers, lay people, church members, the church and the Baptist at state level. So I am on the right track and still building.
Outdoor Christian Education is about God’s Glory (his creation) and God’s Grace (salvation). It is not for a select group of people or age of person but for everyone just like Christ is open to anyone who will receive Him.
The most essential item to be carried by participants is a willing heart.
I pray everyday the Lord will open the doors and windows and get this ministry started. That will take people whom the Lord has touched their hearts about this kind of ministry.
Thank you for your web site.
God’s blessing to you.
May 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Love the humor, description, photo and message. It made me sign up so I could post a comment!
Dan
May 27th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
There is no question that my generation of evangelicals has been virtually deaf and blind to the long neglected theology of nature, which is just now coming up on our radar screens. But younger evangelicals are starting to make themselves heard on the importance of a proper understanding of the meaning of the creation and our responsibility to care for it. Keep an eye on Jonathan Merritt, son of James Merritt, megachurch pastor and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I’m not that familiar with hummingbird behavior, but I have seen other bird behavior that I thought would make a good illustration of our Christian life. In the late spring there are often young birds nearly as big as their parents still following them around, making baby noises and begging to be fed. How like many of us who should be mature enough to feed on God’s Word for ourselves, but still expect the pastor or Sunday School teacher to do all the work for us.
May 28th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Great analogy, Betty! Thanks.
May 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Found my way to your new site Dean and think it is great. Still think of the time I spent at RBC in 2004 with great fondness. Give my greetings to all.
Chris