God, The Blue Jay, And Me

Has God ever given you something you wanted, but don’t remember asking for? Perhaps it was something big, something small, or a small thing that was big to you. He did that for me this week, and while most may not be impressed by the gift, I most definitely was.

Most who know me know that I like to paint and draw all kinds of things. While I love drawing birds especially, there is one bird that I found extremely difficult to paint. Drawing it is a little easier, but I think it was last year before I ever drew it successfully. This week, I painted a blue jay I was very happy with.

To understand this you need to understand the blue jay. Did you know that if you crush a blue jay feather it will turn a dark color instead of blue? That’s because the color doesn’t come from pigment, but from melanin. The melanin not only gives the blue jay it’s color, it makes it more protective against abrasion than pigmentation.

Every skill and ability that I have in my life has been a gift from God. That little watercolor of a blue jay this week was a reminder, not only that He gave me the desire to draw, the commitment to practice, and the ability to improve. This is true not just in art, but in every area of my life. I would not be where I am today had it not been for The Lord Who was on my side as the Psalmist said.

All this reminded me of an old song or poem my Dad used to quote. He said the man heard a bird singing outside his window, and somehow he felt it was saying Thank You Lord, for a brand new day. So like the real little bird, and that little watercolor I was blessed to do, I wanted to take a moment and share with you all.

The Lord will give you the strength to do what He calls you to do. He will bless you with every need supplied. Along the way, He will bless you with the desired, but unexpected. Trust me I know, a little bird told me!