“And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.”– Genesis 1:10
April 22 is designated as Earth Day (and, coincidentally, Joy Day by some organizations). You’ve probably seen social media posts and stories on TV news and on websites reminding you to take care of nature, hug a tree or plant a flower.
And that is all well and good. But I have to remind you not just about the created, but the Creator. God made all that is around us, above us and beneath us. He called it (and us) into being, with the breath from his nostrils and the love in his heart.
He made those trees and flowers, animals and even the air we breathe. He made our lungs capable of breathing that O2, and He made the sun shining down on us and clouds that sometimes obscure that beautiful sun.
He made the waters that covered the land in the time of Noah, and he made all the animals that entered the Ark. He made the dove that Noah sent out to find dry land. God made that dove.
And, God made pigeons.
Yes, pigeons. They’re kind of like a dove, right? Maybe not as pretty and dazzling, but still, a winged creature that takes flight to the heavens.
I have to mention doves, because a friend of mine recently took pity on one and decided to rescue it. Her name is Rose Tibayan from Chicago. I asked if I could share her message, and she said yes. I don’t know if she gave this little guy a name, but I’ll call him Hobie, because of how she first saw him. Here is Rose’s story:
“I saw him hobbling in the street left by the car that hit him, desperately trying to survive, as people walked past and left him to die. I removed my raincoat and and wrapped him in it. Legs and wings broken, but healthy otherwise.
I’ve helped birds before. They always healed on their own and flew away. After 48 hours, he was still paralyzed. Online, I found a network of animal rescuers who foster, rehab, and adopt found injured animals. Who knew that there were so many wonderful like-minded people closeby!
Sadly, I relinquished him to a member of the Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue (all volunteers) less than a mile from my home. They will heal, then release him where I found him, to reunite with his flock. Thank you for your kindness. Turns out he was a baby—only about a month old. If he doesn’t heal, they will adopt him out. (I learned that pigeons are designated as ‘domestic’ animals in Chicago and can be kept as pets.)
Later, as Don and I took a walk around the neighborhood, we were rewarded for our good deed with the appearance of a rare small 6” tall Northern Saw-Whet Owl peering at us from a hedge.”
I think God put Hobie in Rose’s path because she is an animal lover and a kind person.
Happy Earth Day, everyone, and remember to appreciate all of God’s creations.
Sweet story. As I was reading I was reminded that God instructed that the poor could offer pigeons of they could afford a lamb.
What a sweet reminder that God uses the least of these