When Trust Lands Gently: Lessons from a Timid Budgie

Something small happened today—but to me, it was enormous.

I was working quietly in my studio, not expecting anything unusual, when my most timid budgie, Summer-Willow, suddenly did something she has never done before: she flew to my hand.

Just for a second.

Then she fluttered back to her cage. There was no chance for a photo or video. But the moment was so meaningful, I had to write about it.

Summer-Willow, watching quietly from a distance... until today!

I adopted her from a rescue 16 months ago. Since the beginning, she has been very shy, always watching carefully from a distance and staying close to the cage, eyeing closely how I interact with her cage mate. I had fully accepted that she might never perch on my hand—and that was okay. I still loved her, delighted in her quiet beauty, and honored her boundaries.

But this moment—this first landing—meant everything. It showed me that something inside her had shifted. She had decided, even if just for a second, that I was safe—that she could trust me. It reminded me that even the smallest gestures can speak volumes. In that moment, I realized I was being taught something far deeper: lessons from a timid budgie that would echo into my own walk of faith.

As I sat there at my computer, stunned and warmed, I began to think:

Is this how God feels when we finally trust Him?

From our perspective, we usually think about what we gain from trusting God—peace, provision, guidance, and confidence. But rarely have I paused to consider what He feels.

We forget that faith isn’t just something we base our lives on—it’s something that pleases Him.

The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)

So it must follow: when we put our faith into practice and trust Him in a particular area of our lives, it brings Him joy.

That little step my budgie took—leaving the comfort of her perch and flying to my hand—wasn’t just progress. It was a gift. And I realize now that every time I take a trembling step of faith in my art and design business—even when I feel uncertain—it's like a gift I give to my Heavenly Father.

Lately, I’ve had many opportunities to trust God with the unknowns of my creative journey. Some days, I hesitate. Other days, I leap. But this moment with my little Summy has helped me to see that my trust in Him doesn’t just benefit me—it touches His heart.

It feels amazing when a prey animal will venture to land on what she considers the most dangerous part of a human—the hand! And in that precious moment, I felt so much joy!

The little face that reminded me how powerful a little step of trust really is—even the tiniest step of trust brings joy to the one who is waiting.

Just like I felt the sweetness of her trust, God receives an amazing gift of joy when we finally land on His hand.

Even if just for a moment.

Even if we fly back to the comfort of the familiar after that exhilarating moment of trust.

Even if we try again tomorrow.

It still brings Him joy.

If you’ve ever had a small moment of trust change your perspective—whether with a pet or in your walk with God—I’d love to hear about it. You can share in the comments or send me a message.