38
Can She Build It? Yes She Can!
Grab
One 1-foot-square wooden board, at least ½-inch thick
4 feet of narrow wooden molding
Hammer and nails
Small saw
Ruler
Small flowerpot saucer
Wild birdseed
Go
A platform bird feeder can be made by creating a wooden tray with a board and pieces of molding. Cut molding into four 1-foot pieces. Your daughter can help measure, mark, and saw through the molding with your help. Praise her for her efforts, even if she has trouble cutting smoothly or straight.
Nail cut pieces of molding around the top edges of the square board to form the sides. You may need to get the nails started, then your daughter can finish hammering them in the rest of the way. Encourage her to hammer with two hands, or to keep one hand out of the way so she doesn’t end up with a hurt finger!
Find a great spot for your bird feeder. Perhaps it could rest on top of a large rock or an upside-down flowerpot, or place it on the railing of your deck. Have your daughter set the flowerpot saucer in the center of the bird feeder and fill it with water—you have a mini birdbath! She can sprinkle a scoop of birdseed around the tray along with slices of fruit or unsalted nuts.
Have a great time observing your bird feeder together and keeping it supplied with fresh food and water for your feathered friends.
Grow
If you keep your feeder stocked with fresh food and water, the birds in your yard will become daily visitors. It’s a great experience to be a part of meeting their needs and observing their habits. God is attentive to us in the same way: he makes sure we have what we need and he is constantly watching our coming and going. The Bible says we can be encouraged by the way he takes care of the birds he has made.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6–7)
It’s comforting to know that our Father never takes his eyes off of us. He knows every detail of our lives and just what we need. Doesn’t that take a weight off your shoulders?
Dear Father,
Thank you for your amazing love and care for us. Just like you watch over the smallest living things, you never take your eyes off of us. Help us to trust you with everything. Fill our hearts with peace as our faith in you grows. We love you! Amen.