Lessons from the Birds: Finding Beauty and Meaning in the Everyday

A few nights ago, I spotted a strange little bird outside my window. I grabbed my camera and managed to snap a few good photos for reference.

I was especially captivated by the baby bluebirds. Their feathers are a patchwork of colors while they shed their baby plumage and grow into that brilliant, vibrant blue.

This summer has brought so many animal babies to our yard. It makes me smile to see families of birds visiting our feeders together.

Some birds stay year-round, like the finches. Others pass through with the seasons. The American Goldfinch is our yard’s most frequent visitor, followed closely by three or four species of woodpeckers.

Each bird has its own personality:

• Shy woodpeckers

• Gregarious chickadees

• Bossy blue jays

• Fickle finches

• Friendly hummingbirds

This year, I even noticed a family of nuthatches for the first time. They were adorable, flying back and forth from the feeders to their tree on the edge of the forest.

These small glimpses of wildlife remind me how God is present in every detail. Each bird, each feather, each flash of color is part of His creation—and part of the inspiration He gives me to create.

When I paint or write, I often use my own photographs as reference. It makes my art meaningful, because every picture carries a story.

That baby bluebird? It’s become part of my creative journey—a little symbol of transformation, beauty, and the vibrant life God calls us to live.