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By Betsy Ore Glass

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to this life?  – Matthew 6:26-27 

Seabirds and shorebirds. These birds appear so peaceful and carefree. The birds that live near the shore make their existence look easy. Pelicans gliding together in graceful formation are a photographer’s treat. The little sandpipers that skirt the water’s edge are frenzied in a dance that keeps their feet dry. The noisiness of the gulls as they scavenge down below and herons that high-step through the salty marshes are familiar sights on the coast. So many sea birds and shorebirds living in and depending on the environment. It is true what today’s scripture shows us. The birds greet each day with an empty stomach and nothing stored up. The have expectant hope and faith that their needs will be met. Isn’t that an awesome display of faith!

It was almost inconceivable that we could live our lives like the birds. In our family, when our children were young, we would shop, stock the pantry and plan meals for a week at a time. Being great planners in our family, we would worry and obsess over holiday’s months in advance. How much of my time I have devoted to worry is sad … always worrying about tomorrow, regretting yesterday and too busy to live in the present. At some time in each of our lives, I wonder if we all may be guilty of living this way.

God says to trust Him. Give Him our worries. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Worry, anxiety and fear do not line up with the Word of God. They are the chains that tie us down when God wants to lift us up!

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her books, visit betsyoreglass.com.

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