Chapter 34 – Covert Operation

God’s Secret Place

Psalm 57:1

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

Psalm 61:1-4

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy Tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the Covert of Thy Wings. Selah.

Psalm 63:7

“Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy Wings will I rejoice.”

It was a bittersweet late winter’s day when we had gotten word that one of the two extended family cockatiels, Charlie, the handsome white faced gray cockatiel of the two, had been relocated to a new home. Both cockatiels we knew and loved. Peter was devastated, and still feels the sting of that personal loss and that he didn’t even have the chance or choice to say good-bye. Thankfully there was a bright spot: we learned Charlie had already found a mate among the existing cockatiels of the proud new owner...

We were very sad and disappointed when we learned about the relocation, as we would have gladly taken both Charlie and, his cage mate - Cotton, to join our family. Peter already had an established bond with the two tiels and I had met and enjoyed them when visiting the family. They also had a pair of adorable budgies... Kaiyah and the kitties had previously been introduced to them. As I recall Pumpkin showed a respectful curiosity standing on his back legs peeking in with no claws exposed and said hello a couple of times. When I called him on that he looked at me with that sweet kitten like innocence of his as if to say, “I was just looking Furmommy. I won’t hurt them.” Which I sincerely believed and he proved it many times after. Gideon looked up at them a few times and Kaiyah more or less kept a careful watchful distance.

We weren’t sure why these family caretakers didn’t mention it or ask us, but when we found out Cotton was still available, a secret rendezvous was put in place and the time was set with Peter’s sister, Nicole, to go get him! Peter and I were excited and hopeful. I had never had a pet bird so I was prayerful and cautiously optimistic. I looked forward to the new opportunity to learn and care for one so closely. They are fragile creatures and I was used to handling furbabies. I had, by the Grace of God, carefully rescued birds and small critters many times before. I had some experience handling larger birds from the times I volunteered at a raptor center many years prior, but those situations for obvious reasons were quite a bit different in a number of ways. I was keenly aware that we had two cats and a dog. I wasn’t sure how they all would get along with Cotton becoming a permanent resident.

It was strong in my heart that Cotton should be able to fly at will and enjoy his surroundings as much as possible. All was put to prayer and we sought the Lord for wisdom, counsel and understanding. I was grateful that I had been entrusted with a lifetime of living with animals and observing their behavior. God has always been there to help with taking care of them and I knew He most certainly would again. I prayed and waited some more as the day approached. I love for keeps and was all in. Peter was thrilled and could hardly wait!

Both Nicole and Peter, having had birds since childhood, knew compassionate treatment and transport to and from the “safehouse” was absolutely paramount. The day arrived and off they went, deployed on their “covert operation” to “rescue” our friend Cotton and rendezvous with his sister Nicole, who was actually the first one to fall in love with and adopt Cotton at a bird show years prior. There was expanded meaning to covert for that operation it denoted secretive but also the word for a bird's most important feathers. Coverts are distinctive firm narrow feathers at the base of flight feathers that help with structure, as well as provide the unique airfoil that is needed to streamline the wings of a bird in flight.

The meeting place was Ely, Nevada, (the little train town previously mentioned with the old iron horse), the time was approximately... whenever they got there, and risk mitigation was top priority. Once visual confirmation of a safe secure arrival had been done Cotton was kept cool, quiet, and out of sight until transfer and departure. I was immensely grateful we were able to coordinate that with Nicole and for her bringing along everything Cotton had, including his wonderful home cage, as I call it, and gave them to us. Peter and Nicole had a good time and maximized the journey before each headed back to their point A. Nicole had made her travels without incident and Peter arrived safely at our home very late under the cover of night.

It was amazing to me that Peter had such energetic stamina with all the travel he already had under his belt with his work that week. He arrived as excited as a little boy when he came to the front door to let me know he and our little Cotton were home! We went out to the car in stealth mode, as much as you can while handling a light gray metal cage and its wheeled bottom pedestal - and conscientiously brought Cotton in completely covered. We began to set things up quietly and carefully to not disturb Cotton, and as much as possible, the neighbors and our unsuspecting furbabies.

Once settled we checked on him and he was as sweet and cute as could be. He was sitting tall and perfectly still on one of the wooden perches with his white feathers almost glowing in the ambient lighting. He softened in his posture hearing Peter’s voice welcoming him home. We made sure he had everything he needed: fresh water, food, and lots of sweet soft words, and gave him a little time to acclimate with the soft lights still on. He was okay but knew he wasn’t “in Kansas anymore.” Kaiyah, not being a watchdog of sorts but still very much a real dog, stayed totally sound asleep. The kitties however, both definitely watch-cats, were aware something was up and attentively observed. And yes, we were greeted by the official Pumpkin Roll. Plus we were welcomed by the modest trumpeting of the meows from Gideon along with his new body flop which was so cute to see from such a big boy. Peter confirmed arrival with Nicole and then quietly let everyone in our residence know that Cotton was home. We said prayers and praises to the Lord and “tucked” everyone, including ourselves, in bed for some much needed sleep.

The next day would be a curious and wondrous first time together for all of us. Cotton’s presence was already ministering to me. In the hush of the morning I quietly reconsidered many Passages found in the Word of God regarding feathers and wings, birds and things. Each one stirred my heart. I found a renewed comforting peace in the many Verses revealing and wanting us to know that God is always waiting to cover us under His Wings and care for us along life’s road. A Message of Invitation Papa God knew I will always need and need to respond to. I was reminded of our need to go to Him and how often He, in His Great Compassion and Merciful Faithfulness, longingly desires to gather us to Himself as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Even knowing many of us would be unwilling; He has not, does not and will not force us….ever. Love never forces. Jesus spoke those Words with an extremely broken heart over Jerusalem, and I believe through all ages, and will continue to say to us until the very end. Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” I believe that is a Heart Cry of God for all of humanity.

Today many still persecute those living and proclaiming the Word of God, and those that are reaching out with the message of God’s Redeeming Salvation, the Message and Invitation that has not changed since the beginning of time. And sadly many are still rejecting the Loving God who has Made all things and choose not to come to Him. Heavenly Father doesn’t want to lose one of us to the evil, sin, and danger that only He can deliver us from. There is no power, fallen or faithful angel, person including ourselves, government, church, organization, ritual, tradition, or work that can fill or substitute Who God IS or His Plan of Salvation, He alone is the Great I AM… there are no proxies.

To me, that Scripture is one of the most profoundly sorrowful Passages in the Word of God expressing how much love Jesus has for us and longs to Protect us, to Be our Shield from danger, and Provide us a safe place to rest and abide. Jesus wants us to know that secret, covert place, under the shadow of His Wings, will be only found in and with Him. Oh that we would go to Him and let Him be that for us…. And stay there…. Psalm 91:1-3 says this beautifully: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His Feathers, and under His Wings shalt thou trust: His Truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

The morning sunshine filled our home. At just the right moment Peter unveiled Cotton to our small world. Peter carefully lifted his cage cover sheet, continuing Cotton’s long established wake-up routine, for all of us to see our precious cockatiel. Our brave little Cotton had such a sleepy face and seemed to slowly take it all in as he aroused from his rest. Adorable would be an understatement to describe him... Kaiyah in her gentle demure way began with a polite silent pass by the cage with a short pause, looked up at Cotton sitting quietly on his perch looking at her. She had an expression of "how did you get here?" I’m not sure if Cotton knew exactly how to explain it as he couldn’t say he flew. There was recognition though... Then Kaiyah steadily found her way to the sliding door to go out and ran friskity all over the lawn. I’m not sure what she thought but whatever it was she was pretty excited and seemed happy.

When she came in she was again quiet in her navigations of the home and Cotton’s cage. Gideon and Pumpkin were content. They made a point to sit and look at Cotton before continuing to move about and also being respectful in their engagements. After greeting the day and officially announcing the newest family member, our adventure collectively began thanks to Our Heavenly Father’s Covert Operation and the “covert operation” that brought us all together safe and sound and with much to learn of Him and each other.

…Until we meet again…