The sound of hedge trimmers filled the air as workers buzzed about our property, giving our shrubs their annual haircut. While the trimming certainly improved the appearance of our garden, not everyone was thrilled with the landscape makeover. Our feathered friends, who had made these hedges their temporary homes, were notably disturbed by this disruption to their peaceful existence.

Day after day, I gazed out my bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar birds that usually frequented our feeder. The garden seemed eerily quiet without their cheerful chirping and playful acrobatics. My heart sank a little each time I noticed the untouched birdseed on the driveway outside my office.

When I expressed my concern to Jason, he offered a suggestion that was both practical and profound. "Why don't we make an extra effort to show them we still care? Let's put out more food than usual, maybe even some special treats."

Following his advice, we stocked our feeders with premium seed mix, added some suet cakes, and even scattered some much-loved sunflower seeds. Gradually, our winged neighbors began to return, first cautiously, then with increasing confidence as they discovered the abundance we'd provided.

This experience reminded me of how our Heavenly Father deals with us during times of upheaval. When life's hedge trimmers come buzzing through our  lives—whether through job loss, illness, relationship struggles, or other trials—we can feel displaced and disoriented. Sometimes, we might even withdraw from God, much like our birds initially withdrew from us.

But our Father's response is always to increase, not decrease, His provision. He doesn't simply maintain the status quo. He goes above and beyond to demonstrate His unchanging love and care. As Scripture tells us, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

Think about the children of Israel in the wilderness. When their world was completely upended, God didn't just provide basic sustenance. He gave them manna from heaven! He made water flow from rocks and kept their shoes from wearing out. He went above and beyond to show His people that even in their displaced state, He was still their faithful Provider.

Just as our extra effort with the birds helped restore their trust and bring them back to our garden, God's abundant provision during our difficult seasons serves to draw us closer to Him. He uses these opportunities to demonstrate His faithfulness in tangible ways, proving that no circumstance can separate us from His love and care.

So the next time life's hedge trimmers show up uninvited, remember our garden birds. Look for the extra provision God is laying out for you, and don't be afraid to draw near to His abundant supply. After all, He's not just maintaining His care for you. He's increasing it.