I am so unaware.
I am so naive.
Last week, after taking the ferry to Halifax to meet Dan after work, we were walking home. We weren’t walking as fast as some of the other ferry passengers who had just debarked the ferry because we were pushing the stroller uphill.
By the time we crested the little hill leading to our condo unit, I noticed two guys who had passed us on the walk. They were standing in front of a storefront where pigeons nest in the overhead awning. As we got closer, we noticed the two guys bend over and pick something up.
They were picking up a baby bird.
A baby bird had fallen out of nest above and was laying on the sidewalk.
As we walked by, the one guy who was cradling this poor little baby bird in his hands was attempting to put it back in the little hole in the awning where the birds were nesting.
We walked on by and my mind raced.
What had happened to this baby bird? Would he be okay? Was he hurt?
Dan and I have friends who were pregnant at the same time that I was. Their little boy is only a couple of months younger than Cameron. Recently this precious little baby was diagnosed with an illness that this family will have to deal with for the rest of their lives.
I suddenly realize how much I take for granted. And, I mean I really take things for granted. I take the health of my baby for granted. I take even having a baby for granted. I sit here at my computer and I write about the milestones that my son hits, and I write about fun times we have, and sometimes I complain about lack of sleep and fussy babies.
And I just walk by the dying baby bird on the sidewalk.
I forget that there are any other options. I forget that sometimes it isn’t easy or possible to have babies. Sometimes people loose their babies before they are born. Sometimes children don’t hit their milestones. Sometimes children get sick. Sometimes children die.
So, today, I am thankful and prayerful. And I will try not to take any moment with my son for granted.
What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbers. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
