What are Snowbirds?

Word from Paulette

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The Lord was asking me today about what were my thoughts about snowbirds? I thought that was a funny question to ask. I really don’t know very much about birds at all. So I went to the dictionary and was greatly surprised to find out that there were three different kinds of snowbirds and that they were not all birds at all! First of all there are truly birds such as the junco and the snow bunting which I have provided pictures of above. They are migratory birds often found in North America and migrate from Canada shortly before winter and go no further than Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. At winters end they return to Canada to nest and raise their young. Snow buntings can be found in the high Arctic, Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland and Northern Russia, before heading south for the winter,also.

The second category of snowbirds are actually Canadian Forces Air Demonstration Sauadron. They do military acrobatics and air show flight demonstrations showing the professional teamwork of the Canadian Forces personnel. I have 2 pictures also of these magnificent planes.

The third category of snowbirds are actually a term used for mostly retired people who move from the higher latitudes and colder climate of North America and migrate southward in the winter to such places as Florida, Californa, Arizona and Texas, but in the Summer months they travel back up to such locations as mountains of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

All three categories of snowbirds are connected by the availability of being able to move from one place to another. Birds have a built in mechanism for knowing when to head south for the winter or vise versa in the hot summer months. Retired Snowbirds enjoy the freedom of being able to do like wise as they head for nice beach area and lovely spots in Florida, for example with wonderful retirement communities. Here is Cyprus we call them sparrows because they come here from mainly the U.K. to have warmer months here than in the colder climate of back home. Then when it is too hot here in the Eastern Mediterranean, they have the freedom to return home back to the U.K. The Snowbirds Air Force are very similar to the Red Arrows in The U.K. or the Blue Angels U.S. Navy Demonstration Suadron, all very professional and well trained in aeronautical maneuvers.

We as believers in the Body of Christ need to become more flexible and be able to move at a moments notice. Are we so land locked and earth bound that we cannot move to a new place if the Lord tells us to go? If we stay were we are too long we may forfeit what else God has for us. Snowbirds don’t worry about cold winters or hot Summers. They have built into them the knowledge of when it is time to make a change and head South for the Winter. There are different seasons in most places and most people are able to enjoy spring and Summer and Autumn and Winter in all its variety, perhaps not in Cyprus, though as we generally have Summer and a mild Winter.

I think right now in the Body of Christ, big changes are happening and there is much movement and redeployment necessary as we are part of the Army of the Lord. Planes in the Air Force, often have to be redeployed and have to fly where directed on a day to day basis. The pattern of life that we enjoy today could change considerably in the near future. We need to be ready for changes and be prepared to become more mobile and less tied down by the things around us. God looks after us. He feeds the birds and even knows the number of hairs on our head. We can trust him to lead us like the humble snowbird. It has no trouble knowing when to leave and fly many miles to a new nesting site. Let us be ready for whatever we are called to do and do it with joy and anticipation in our hearts, even if it is going to take a bit of effort on our part. God is with us and we can do it!

I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it.
Psalm 50:11-12 (NAS)

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life– whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life.
Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7 (KJV)

Blossoms have appeared in our land. The season of songbirds has arrived, and the cooing of turtle doves is heard in our land. 
Song of Solomon 2:12 (ISV)

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