Yesterday I took a much needed long walk - my dog, Mitzi, and I walked through the winding streets of my neighborhood. I didn't bring music - yesterday was a blustery precursor to todays wintery weather, so I was bundled up, gloves on.
I didn't take music because I wanted to hear, and see, all that was around me. I listened to the wind comb through the pompano grass,and toss the trees around. I watched and listened as newly fallen leaves skittered and scrambled across the road. I took in the colors of the rare leaves that showed out fall splendor, a rare thing in our parts. I watched the thin white clouds stretch across the endless blue sky.
As I moved through the neighborhood, around mile 4 I entered the side entrance, and there, on the white fence, were several small birds. I watched them fly in and off, and I recognized their swooping flight. It was a little flock of bluebirds, lighting on the fence, then quickly flying off.
Immediately I was taken back to this time last year. I was in the middle of a very undeserved and very painful persecution at work. I had been relegated to cubicle land, far away from the patient areas I so loved to work at. Since I was grasping at straws to find things to do, and because I was allotted an hour for lunch, every day I would step out the back door, and onto the track behind the building.
As I circled the track, for many weeks there were a couple dozen bluebirds that would fly in and frolic around the field and track. I have always loved bluebirds - they are sweet little birds with their bright red plummage in the front, flashy white chest, and lovely blue wings. Up north, they are a sign of spring.
In the long fall last year, they were my cheerful, swooping companions. They daily brought a smile to my face, cheering me before I went back to my cubicle, and to uncertainty.
Flash forward a year.
The persecution is over - the persecuter was removed from the service. I have been completely exhonerated. I am back doing what I love, which is taking care of patients.
Yesterday, as I was on this long walk and I turned into a portion that added a mile, to see the bluebirds brought to mind the painful past - but also reminded me that my deliverer is faithful. Instead of being a reminder of the past pain, it reminded me that I was completely cleared, that all of that trial is behind me, and the Lord is faithful to his promise. He told me to stand, for I had done no wrong. So I stood - for two years.
I'm thankful for the bluebirds. I am thankful for the sparrow - for His eye is also on the sparrow, and He DOES watch over us.
This month, be purposefully thankful. Even if you are in the midst of a severe trial, we have some much to be thankful for. Today, I was thankful for a warm house, and warm clothes, and a warm car. There are a lot of people without this season. I was a struggling single mom oh those years ago, and I myself couldn't afford thanksgiving dinner. The Lord provided me dinner.
Matthew 6:26New King James Version (NKJV)
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
He is concerned about you. If you need prayer, if you have a need, let us know.
I leave you with one of my favorite songs, and it is speaking to me, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNkdzdttw5Y&feature=player_detailpage
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