A FEW years ago a gentleman spent a few days with two ladies in the country. They had just finished breakfast, when the younger lady crumbled some bread into a saucer, saying she expected a visitor who came every morning.
The gentleman was wondering who it could be, when she said, “Hush, I hear him.” She went to the window, and on its being opened in hopped a beautiful little bird, and began to pick the crumbs, not only from the saucer, but from her hand. He did not seem to have the least fear, but hopped about, sat on her head, her hand, her shoulder, and every now and then lifted up his bright eyes to the lady’s face, and chirped merrily. When he had finished his meal he gave one loud chirp, and flew away into the wood nearby.
There are some pretty walks in the neighborhood, and the friends invited the gentleman to go with them. The lady took some crumbs with her, and scattering them on the ground, began to call, “Dickie, Dickie.” As soon as his friend called there was a rustle in the bushes, when down came Dickie, and began to eat the crumbs at her feet. The friend thought it was only for the crumbs that Dickie loves for which he came.
“Well, we shall see which he loves best, the gift or the giver,” said the lady.
She walked on and called, “Dickie, Dickie,” holding out her hand. Instantly the faithful little bird hopped down, and settled on her hand.
“Certainly,” said the gentleman, “he loves you better than the crumbs.”
What do we learn from this incident? Surely that we have a Friend who loves us so warmly, who died for us that we might be saved and spend an eternity with Him in the glory land. As the little bird put confidence in the lady, came to her, trusted her, was fed by her, so may each little boy and girl put confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, come to Him, trust Him, and be saved and cared for by Him.
There is also a lesson for young believers to trust Him more fully, and enjoy His companionship day by day. May this be the happy portion of all.
ML 06/08/1924