Consider the Ravens

Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:22-31 

When we lived in Sitka, AK, there were ravens everywhere. They were so much a part of life that the Tlingit people understand them to have great power. The local public radio station was called Raven Radio. The ravens, as I observed them, are very social, working together to find their food and talking a blue streak when ever moved to do so. They had regular opinions with us which they shared to whomever would listen. They teamed up to open boxes and garbage cans. They were well fed, no matter what.

Jesus reminds us today not to worry, that God was caring for our needs as the Creator cares for the ravens and lilies. As someone who loved to garden, and knows how much care the crops we raise takes, I am touched that God is a more careful and consistent gardener and caretaker than I am. I often worry, but am regularly reminded, by birdsong, tenacious squirrels and the explosion of color around us, that God has it all in hand. We are held in God's hand, and worry does not create any better life than the Creator of life can and will.

Today, I ask God to help me let go of worry and live with the knowledge of God's constant care for each of us. May we all let go of the worry that binds us so that we can share the abundant love that the Creator showers upon us all.