Today is the release date for the book, “Consider the Birds – Heartwarming True Stories of Our Feathered Friends.” I am honoured to be one of the contributors to this book.

I suppose with the last name “Dove”, birds (especially doves) are dear to my heart. In fact, I have a large collection of dove figurines around my home. Doves are symbols of “peace” and the Bible references them many times. The dove is a symbol of purity, and the Holy Spirit. It first appears in the story of Noah’s Ark, when a dove returns with an olive leaf, signifying the end of the flood and God’s renewed covenant with humanity. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove during Jesus’ baptism.

Consider the birds…

A fact about dove birds is that most mate for life. Mourning Doves are known to stay together to build nests, incubate eggs, and raise their young. The image of two doves together is a common symbol for love and unity. I was at a recent appointment and had to spell my last name. I always answer when asked that question: ‘D.O.V.E. – like the bird.’ The receptionist said, “What a lovely last name!” I responded, “Thanks! I married well!” I will always be thankful to my husband for gifting me at marriage with his wonderful last name…and over forty-six years of wedded bliss!

Consider the birds…

The Christmas season is upon us and I also have quite a collection of dove ornaments. My daughter collects cardinal ornaments, but I prefer my doves. It did not surprise me when I did a bit of research that cardinals and doves are linked at Christmas to Christ. The white dove representing the “Prince of Peace”, and the red cardinal representing the “blood” shed on our behalf. The cradle and the cross represented by the two winter birds.

I love this passage from Scripture: “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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-27)

Today, as I go about my day, I am considering the birds. There is much to learn from them as they point to the goodness of God!