As I was painting this juvenile hummingbird, I began to ask the why. Why this one now. I don't paint small birds typically. Months ago, a photographer, known as the hummingbird whisperer, Lisa Swanson posted a photo in a group I'm in for artists to paint if they desired. Looking at it, I knew I wanted to try it in inks, someday. So I tucked it in my source folder. Thursday, I had a reminder about this inspiration photo and knew I would start. I sketched it out and then had to wait till Saturday to begin. As typically happens as I'm working I ask God why? Why this bird!? Why not a dove, which we associate with peace. Considering the horror we woke up to taking place in Israel 🇮🇱 I really didn't understand. There is much lore and mythical writings surrounding this hummingbird. So I asked God to reveal to me the why. What He showed me is incredible. This tiny little bird whose wings are often moving so fast as to be unseen is a bringer of joy, comfort, healing and transformation! Like God, they move so quickly, we often miss the interaction. "Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?” (Isa. 43:19).
When seen, you often hear shouts of joy and excitement. Much like when God is moving, we often don't understand the how or why, He is doing what He's doing, nonetheless it's incredible! These birds are migratory, traveling 1000's of miles returning confidently to where they instinctively know to go for this next season. Isaiah 30:15: “You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence”.
As for healing and transformation, John 6:25-34 says that we can look at the birds in the air and the flowers in the field and observe God's care over creation. Neither the bird nor the flowers work or have any need to be anxious because God is faithful to them. And then we are told to note how much more are people worth than birds and flowers!Â