A lot of scratching and movement was taking place down deep in the cattails and I stopped and waited, hoping to see what birds were responsible for the commotion. Finally, one of them popped to the surface and it looked to be a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) and I smiled.
Sparrows have a very special place in my heart, because they remind me of my deceased parents. When I was growing up, one of their favorite hymns at church was “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” The hymn has a simple, Scripture-based message that we should not be discouraged, because the same God who watches over the sparrows in the field cares even more for us.
Now, whenever I see sparrows, I smile as I am filled with memories of my parents, and the words of the chorus of the hymn play again in my mind, “I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. For His eye is on the sparrow. And I know He watches me.”
If you have never heard this song, there are many versions of it on YouTube, including, versions by such noted artists as Whitney Houston. Sandi Patty’s rendition is close to the version that I remember in the small Baptist churches of my childhood.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
What lovely thoughts and images to wake up to. The hymn resonates with me, particularly at the moment. I listened to both renditions by Sandi Patty and Whitney Houston and like Sandi’s best too. The sparrows on the bull rushes are beautiful. Thanks Mike.
Spending time in our natural world does draw from us our deeper thoughts; love your photos.
One of my most favorite hymns. And I love the Sparrows and their Creator.
Amen.
Being happy and free makes me want to sing too but that chubby little sparrow might also be singing because he’s so well fed.
Lovely post, lovely reminder of how the Father looks after us His children. Thank you.
‘Will try to listen to other renditions of the song–I always listen to Ethel Waters’.