How often have I made incorrect, pessimistic assumptions about life circumstances and not prayerfully looked up with hopeful expectations? After all, Psalm 212:1-2 says: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” If I go out on a limb, my Lord, my Creator, will hold me up and support me.
Another day, my attention was seized by a commotion just outside my windows, in the cedar tree next to our garage. A big—and I do mean big—flock of starlings flew in wonderful synchronization and landed in that cedar tree! Apparently, a large number of the birds somehow got the message that that tree was the place to be together at that moment. It was a sight to behold! As quickly as they arrived, they departed in one fell swoop! It got me thinking about my flock. I have so many family members and friends with whom I am blessed. I must not leave out my guardian angel or the Communion of Saints, on earth and in heaven, who pray for me.
We can be thankful that none of us is alone, and we have the promise that we will never be alone; we will have a home for eternity. Psalm 84:3-4 reminds us, “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.”
One afternoon I shared a few minutes with a nice plump robin who came to rest in that same big cedar tree in my yard. I had a good view from my upstairs window. The robin landed on a wide branch and just sat there...and sat there...and sat there. I expected him to leave and flit from one neighborhood tree to another. No, he just sat there in all his robin glory for at least ten minutes. Of course, I started thinking about my personal benefit of just sitting still and praying or meditating...or just being. Psalm 46:10-11 says: “‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Being my best self, my true self, and not my rushed, distracted self is a good idea. Thank you, Mr. Robin, for that reminder! Perhaps my upstairs reflections may help you take flight from this troubled world for a little while.
(Bible quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version.)
Image: Lynn Curwin/Truro Daily
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.