Sparrows: My Ever-Present Companions

Sparrows: My Ever-Present Companions

Everywhere I've lived, sparrows have found their way into my life.

I remember a time in the Netherlands when everyone was worried about the sparrow population. There was talk of their decline, and some feared they might go extinct.

Yet, my garden seemed immune to these concerns. It was filled with sparrows, chirping and fluttering about. I even had a bush that I lovingly called the "Sparrow Inn" because so many of these delightful creatures would gather there, chatting
away like old friends.

Their chattering filled me with joy. I've always had a soft spot for sparrows.

When I was about ten, I chose sparrows as the subject of a school research project. It was then that I learned just how diverse they are. Some sparrows make their homes in hedges, while others prefer nesting near houses.

These birds are true globetrotters found in nearly every corner of the world. They may seem plain at first glance, but if you look closer, you'll notice their feathers are a rich tapestry of browns, blacks, and greys, each unique in its own way.

As I moved from place to place, sparrows always seemed to follow. No matter where I called home, they found me. Even here in Bali.

After moving into my current house, I hadn't seen any sparrows for over a month. But this afternoon, I spotted a few. It was a small moment but profound. The sparrows had found me again.

At first, this made me wonder: is having sparrows around a good thing? After all, they've been present during some of the most challenging times in my life. When my brother passed away, sparrows were there. When I lived in a house marked by an abusive relationship, they were there. When my marriage ended, the sparrows still gathered in the Sparrow Inn.

Yet, as I reflected more, I realized that sparrows have also been present during some of my happiest moments. They were there on my wedding day. They nested in the garden when my children were born. They brought a sense of comfort on days when I felt low. Their cheerful chirping has always brightened my mood.

So, are sparrows bringers of bad news or good?

I choose to see them as messengers of joy. They've been constants in my life, reminders that beauty and connection exist even during life's ups and downs. Their presence reminds me that it's up to me how I interpret the events in my life. As the
saying goes, "Nothing has a meaning until you give it one."

And I choose positivity. I choose to see sparrows as symbols of resilience, happiness, and the simple joys of life.

Do you choose to see the positive, too?