Indistinct But Perky Birds

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

Cool breezes tickled my face when I stepped onto my patio. Days ago, freezing temperatures altered my garden by transforming most of it into ugly brown. 

            Leaves and flowers drooped. Once colorful blooms begged to be taken out of their misery. 

            As pink colored the sky, shadowy, bare trees appeared along my lakefront. In the distance birds cawed, tweeted, and trilled. 

            Only feet from my porch, instead of seeing a lush, green oak tree, I easily saw the sky through its nearly bare limbs.

            A cluster of tiny birds danced among the branches. Their dark feathers blended in with the scattered leaves. Despite the gloomy scene, they chirped a delightful tune. In the dim light, I couldn’t distinguish their true colors nor identify their species. 

            Even though occasionally, they visited my garden, a larger group flew in to enjoy the day. 

            After a weekend of vertigo, the chipper creatures presented me with a gift. They ignored the ugliness of dead and dying foliage around them. The lack of leaf cover didn’t deter them from visiting. They flapped their wings, chirped, and danced among the limbs. 

            The sun rises each morning on my year, whether it is beautiful or dismal and freeze-affected. I can choose to focus on what was damaged or find delightful surprises despite the destruction.

            We can focus on what we have lost or find comfort in the miracles that can come even in adversity. 

            As the sun rose, the wee visitors disappeared. However, their appearance reminded me of God’s provision. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for not leaving us even in our trials. When we think you are gone, help us see you in unexpected ways.

Amen

A Mysterious Masterpiece

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Because chilly weather and a crummy cold kept me inside for a few weeks, my lakeside retreat brought joy and surprises when I finally emerged. Everything seemed new and fascinating. 

            Limbs on nearly naked cypress trees stretched to the sky. Normally hidden nests, snuggled on high boughs. 

            Dew drops sparkled on green grass and other foliage. Pink blooms dotted an azalea plant. Tiny waves wrinkled the dark lake. In the distance, a bird warbled a morning tune. 

            Along the shoreline, bare trees mingled with evergreens. The winter Florida scene, though less colorful than other seasons, revealed its own unique beauty. 

            Bordering my patio, orange flowers caught my eyes. A few stalks of the hearty specimen retained their summer beauty. Another lovely surprise captured my attention. 

            A mysterious sparkle appeared at the tip of one stem. A spider’s unique creation encircled the drab green vegetation. Its delicate web formed a crystal-like lacework which connected several stalks. The bowl-shaped cobweb glittered in the morning sunlight. 

            Even though I had observed many lovely webs, none compared to its complexity and beauty. Up close and without the sunshine, there was little luster, and it certainly didn’t stand out. 

            If I had stayed inside or only studied my books, the spectacular display would have passed unnoticed. I would have missed the spider’s masterpiece. The spider had disappeared, but its creation remained for me to enjoy. 

            In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts that God provides around us. Perhaps it is a sunset, flowers, or people we love. If we are so focused on daily tasks, our problems, or dwelling in the past, we fail to delight in how God is working around us in both small and large ways. 

Creator, thank you for providing surprise miracles for us to enjoy. Help us take time to appreciate all we have and what you have done for us.

Amen

A Little But Powerful Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew 5:14-15  NIV

Years ago, candles frequently burned in my home. After doctors diagnosed Alan’s lung condition, cabinets held my supply.. Their odors and flames were not compatible with his diseased lungs and oxygen supply. 

            Recently, when my granddaughter, Molly, wanted a new candle, I offered for her to check my collection. Then I decided it was time to start using them again. 

            While stuck on the couch with a cold, I decided to bring light to a dreary day. A red candle in a glass case glowed in the dim room. 

            The flame danced back and forth. Then it rose above the top of the container. Even though I felt no breeze, something made the fire move gracefully. 

            The tiny blaze fascinated me with its constant movements in the darkened room. My eyes remained on the delightful show. 

            The taper reminded me that as Christians, we are to be beacons in a dark world. We might flicker and be pushed back and forth by difficult situations but not extinguished. If we live for Jesus, we will shine so that those in the world will see we are different because of Him.  

Lord, show us how to live as a bright light in darkness. Give us strength to remain strong even when those around us are consumed by the world. Guide us each day to be more like you.

Amen