We know the fine tuning of physical constants, like gravity or the strong nuclear force, for life to exist is statistically improbable without design. The complexity of DNA and biological systems resembles a code, spurring discussions of intelligent design. The order and predictability of the universe, governed by consistent laws, indicate a rational source, a designer. So, is the designer God, or is everything by accident?
I look to the wonders of nature. It is all pretty majestic, and with little human interference, it runs perfectly. But I found out something the other day. We have a couple of bird feeders. Those pesky squirrels show up, and it is amazing to watch them make their way up a thin pole to gobble the seed meant for the birds.
So, I am watching this, and it occurs to me that long ago, there were no bird feeders, but there were birds. And there were squirrels. But then people came along. I doubt bird feeders went up immediately. People had to be hunter gatherers to survive. But fast forward, and as people became more civilized, a bird feeder appears. And the birds love it. But then squirrels love it too.
A discovery is made. By adding hot spices to the bird seed, the squirrel palate cannot handle the burning taste. But it doesn’t bother the birds. Problem solved. I found it interesting and mentioned to my wife that people would find what I am going to say odd (I think she did when she heard it), but to me it is proof God exists. Sure, it seems a small point, but I figure He sweats the small stuff, even if He doesn’t want us to.
Since I believe God is forever and knows all that will happen, He knew someday people would have bird feeders and saw the conflict between the two species. So, in His infinite wisdom, knowing there would one day be hot spices, He made the taste unbearable to squirrels but not to birds. He knew people would figure it out, and we did.
Many will read this and roll their eyes. To me it is one more piece of evidence that God figured it out long ago and knew how to handle the problem. But there is biblical support for this kind of thinking. Scripture says creation itself declares the work of God’s hands, that not even a sparrow falls without His notice, and that we can learn about Him by paying attention to the creatures around us. So, when I see something as small as birds enjoying seed that squirrels cannot tolerate, it reminds me that God’s design runs through everything. And in moments like that, I find myself simply grateful that He cares enough to weave even the smallest details into the world around us.