PSALM 103:8
For a while, a canary-yellow cockatiel named Wilbur lived at our home. He was the most nervous and frightened bird that ever lived. It took about a year to get him to come out on my shoulder and not be afraid. After that, he turned into the most pathetically spoiled bird you have ever seen.’ My family loved him; I loved him. He and I were stuck together like glue; he took showers with me in the morning, ate from my plate, and rode on my shoulder all the time. One day I went out to feed my dog and when I came back inside, I saw Mom holding Wilbur. I knew he was dead, but I couldn’t accept it for a long time. We buried him under a bald cypress tree. I was angry at God because I loved that little bird more than anything else in the world, and God had taken him away from me. I didn’t pray to God for a few weeks; I wouldn’t speak to Him. I was like a child whose parents said that she couldn’t have a piece of candy. I couldn’t understand why Wilbur’s death had to be part of God’s plan. But as I was sleeping one night, I saw Wilbur in a dream. A voice from someone I couldn’t see called Wilbur, and he flew away. I somehow knew that God had sent me a message, telling me to not be angry at Him and that everything would be okay. I asked God to forgive me and He has. God is “slow to anger and abounding in love.” I still go out to the tree that shadows Wilbur’s grave, and I can feel God’s love there.
Pamela K. Locke, 15, Walnut Grove Christian Preparatory School, Noblesville, IN
Father, I am so thankful that You don’t get angry easily.
I get angry at You a lot, and I’m grateful that
You respond to me with love.