And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19
Except for the fact that my husband was off camping with his buddies, it started out as a normal Saturday. I planned to spend it doing some quiet routines around the house. But, while finishing my breakfast, I heard a loud thrashing noise in the adjacent room. I rushed to see what was happening and discovered a plume of soot filling the air around my fireplace! As the thrashing paused and the soot began to settle, I realized a large bird had fallen down my chimney and was now trapped in my fireplace amongst the ashes!
I looked closely through the soot-covered glass doors but could only vaguely make out a grayish form and beak. With my husband out of town, I was this distressed bird’s only hope. Me—under-qualified with zero bird experience me. The internet suggested I darken the room, open my windows, release the bird from the fireplace, and hope it would find its escape to the great outdoors. No thank you. With my luck, the bird would’ve soared to our second story and landed on our vaulted ceiling fan with no hope of rescue after that.
I then called a few neighbors, who I learned were also out of town, followed by calls to five different wildlife organizations where I either left voice messages or was told they simply could not help. I had hit a wall. Then suddenly, in a still moment (for both the bird and myself), a thought came to mind of a couple from our church. I connected with them by phone. They were not only willing to help, but were excited to do so! Turns out she is passionate about wildlife and was equipped to reach into the fireplace, gently grasping the bird with a towel. We then released what turned out to be our Merganzer Duck and watched it soar to freedom, with quite a story to tell of its incredible rescue adventure.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
We never know what we’ll encounter in a day. But no matter what needs arise—big or small—bird in a fireplace or your present challenge—God has promised to be your Provider.