"After a forest fire the forest ranger began his trek up the mountain to assess the inferno's damage. He found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, this mother chose to remain steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live." (author unknown)
If we want a picture of sacrificial love - that is it! The mother bird loved her chicks so much that she sacrificed for them... even her life..... that they might live.
Makes me ponder - Do I love Paul enough to sacrifice for him? When was the last time I thought of his needs before my own?
Makes me wonder - Who loves me that much? Paul has told me that he would die to protect me. Thank God he hasn't had to put those words to the test :)
And I think of God... His sacrificial love...."He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4) I must tell you my beloved ones - I have been encouraged by this verse many times over in my life. He does offer a love that is protective to the death. ... A love that insures a place of rest here on earth and a heavenly home after my time here on earth is done.
Ponder and wonder and think about "it" with me......
