My mom used to sing me a lovely little lullaby called “There’s a Little Birdie in the Apple Tree.” You can think of it a little like “His Eye is on the Sparrow” for little kids: 
There’s a little birdie in the apple tree
Chirping out his little song so merrily.
He’s a lucky birdie, and I think he knows
That God is watching over him where’er he goes.
But that little birdie isn’t half so dear
As all the little boys and girls that God put here.
So, as I watch the birdie in the apple tree,
I know that God is watching over me.
My mom passed away in 2007. She always described her singing voice as one that made for an adequate addition to a church choir, but said it wasn’t worth much when it came to solos. I beg to differ. I’d give most anything to hear her sing this solo again.
Plus, it’s nice to be reminded that even those of us that aren’t the earliest birdies are still “dear.” Go forth and dawdle!
