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By Joy DeKok

When I hear their distant calls to each other as they fly in formation over our home, I’m immediately ready for one of my favorite outings; a visit to the park to feed the giant Canada geese. I am exhilarated by their presence on all sides of me, even after fifty-plus years of visits to them. Their beauty amazes me, and for a moment, I sense the pleasure of becoming their “provider” worthy of their very temporary affection.

They gobble up my offerings of dried corn or day-old bread, and sometimes stale popcorn. Hundreds of geese crowd around my legs and demand attention. Mallards and pigeons scurry among the bigger birds, hoping for their share.

They honk, squabble, and bite each other in their push to get the most. Feathers and dust sometimes fly. I throw handfuls to the crowd then offer the brave ones in front a treat from my hand. After a while, I leave a pile for the ones too eager for my attention, and I move deeper into the crowd to reach the more timid birds.

Their graceful necks, spectacular markings, and downy feathers are close enough to touch. But if I reach beyond their boundaries, I’m sure to get a hiss. A bite or wing spanking is not uncommon if they feel threatened. These are wild birds, and we have a short peace agreement. I bring the treats; they allow me to interact with them.

When the food is gone, so are they. I am left alone with only a messy reminder of their presence, still on the bottom of my shoes. They enter the water, thirsty for a cool drink of water after their snack.

Every fall, I eagerly listen for this call of the wild, and anticipate once again being in their midst. Even now as I write this, I remember the feeling of their hard beaks bopping corn or bread out of my open palm.

Daily, I hear the Spirit of God calling me to join Him in His Word where He generously satisfies my spiritual hunger and thirst. As I enter my time with Him there, my appetite is sometimes similar to the geese—voracious, and I hear my inner voice demanding that He feed my starving soul. I beg, “Give me something from Your Word today, God!” He hears and answers my prayer, and I leave my time in His Word filled to the depths of my soul.

He will do the same for you.

Bird Feeder:

“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” (Luke 6:21)

Birdbath:

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107: 8-9)

Birdhouse:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119: 105)

For the Birds:

It’s fun to give the birds and animals a special treat any time you feel like celebrating—I’m not sure why, but sharing with them at these times, multiplies my joy. Dried fruits, nuts of all kinds, popcorn, crackers, bits of cookies, apple chunks, pretzels, any flavor bread, dog food, cracked corn, cereal, and sunflower seeds all attract guests to the holiday smorgasbord.

It’s also easy to provide the birds with fresh water throughout the year by using birdbath heaters. Another way is to put out a pie tin with fresh water in it a couple of times a day. When I do this, by the time I shut the door, I have a visitor or two already enjoying a quick drink.

Joy DeKok is an author, speaker, and believer in Jesus Christ. She is passionate about people exploring and recording the legacies that are their lives. Bits & Pieces of Me is where she gives her personal Legacy to those she loves, to those she likes, and to those she has never met. She believes your life matters and that your life is a legacy.