A Feathery Example

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3: 17 NKJV)

            Three unexpected guests meandered onto my lawn. Even when I stepped outside to photograph them, they ignored me.

            A pair of stately sandhill cranes sheltered their furry, brown offspring between them. They stabbed long beaks into the grass to find breakfast. The little one stared at one parent and then the other. Finally, he imitated their actions with his shorter beak.

            The adults moved down the shoreline out of sight. Instead of following them, the baby wandered to the lake. He waded into the water plants and almost disappeared in the foliage.

            I listened for a reprimand or a quick return. But the parents remained out of sight. After a few minutes, the drifter crept back up the bank and found his parents.

            The trio returned to my yard and continued to my neighbor’s. Occasionally, heads popped up and eyes scanned the area to be sure they were safe. They calmly ate with their offspring learning to eat by watching them.

            The birds showed me what Christians are to do as we follow Jesus.  Demonstrate his love so that we can be more like Him. Gently teach by example.

            Alan frequently said, “We never know who is watching. We influence a lot of people.”

            We need to be sure that we are a positive example with our lives.

Father, thank you for continually teaching me with your creation. Help me to be a good example in the way I live. Amen

Remembering Mother

When the upright need help and cry to the Eternal, He hears their cries and rescues them from all their troubles. When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close and revives him in his pain. (Psalm 34: 17-18 The Voice)

            Two years ago another dreaded phone call came. “She’s gone,” my brother said.

            After years and years of health issues and one and a half of being bedridden with constant care, Mother’s body wore out. I felt thankful that she no longer endured pain. With a new body she could rejoice in heaven with Dad and other loved ones.

            Automatically and with a cloudy mind, I helped plan the third memorial service within eleven months. The fog of grief allowed me to get through the details and process of saying another good-by.

            Mother’s weakened body and desire to leave made her death a little easier to bear but by no means easy. After the numbness wore off, my sadness and loneliness for her joined the grief I had for Dad and Alan.

            But throughout the difficult and long journey, God has held me close and continues to provide people and circumstances to lift and strengthen me at just the right time.

Heavenly Father, thank you for mother’s life. Thank you for being with me in my grief.

Amen