Michelle Shrader

I have been drawn to birds this past year. I am not a bird watcher, more a bird admirer. They make me happy. When I drink my coffee in my backyard, birds will fly near bringing with them their own special song. Their presence always brings me literal delight. Gracie, my lil 4 pound maltese puppy delights in chasing them! The birds seem to enjoy the chase, for they fly all around her, as if to say, “Catch me if you can!”

I didn’t realize how much I was drawn to birds till this Christmas. My Christmas dishes have birds on them.

I started collecting these little birds from Target because they make me happy and all of a sudden I realized I had myself a bird mafia!

As each New Year turns, I always try and allow space for a word to rise that will be a guide of sorts into the New Year. Usually it is an action word, like shine, grow, or strive. This year, the word that came to me was sparrow. So, I decided to learn more about the symbolism behind sparrows.

Sparrows are said to represent productivity, cooperation, and teamwork. They also inspire finding Joy in the little things in life. I loved this. More study revealed that their spirits teach us that it is possible to overcome challenges in life. They are hard workers, that are known for overcoming obstacles. What I especially loved is that they don’t work for the sake of working. They care about where their work leads them, that it is fruitful, and aimed in the right direction! They also understand the importance of community, they are social birds that rely on one another, dividing their work, so that their loads are not too heavy and they can accomplish more! Best of all, JOY in all they do is important!

Sparrows show up in the scriptures as well.

Matthew 6:26-33

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?


So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 10:29-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

I feel like the sparrow is going before me into this New Year saying, “Catch me if you can!”

I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your year, the joys, the hardships, and the mundane. What is important to you in the year ahead? Is there a scripture, a word, an image that might remind you of the hope that is inspired through your reflection?

Grateful to be … With you on the journey, Michelle