Thursday, March 14, 2013

THE BIRD HOUSE



Today was one of those days I can't stay inside. I told myself I needed to write - but I answered, 'not while I have a chance to sit outside and catch a few rays - I can write when the sun goes down.' So along with Maggie, who also enjoys basking in the sun, and I went out into our little backyard retreat.  It may be small, but the birds love sharing it with us. They have all they need - food, housing, jasmine vines and a climbing rose bush from which they can oversee all that's going on in their little domain.

It's been amazing these past few days the songs coming from these little creatures.  I imagine it as their rehearsal, preparing their voices that have recently awakened to announce the long awaited arrival of Spring next week.
Maggie was dozing under the rose bush from which the bird house hangs - and as I sat quietly meditating and pondering the gift of this day, I was startled by a loud, almost irritated chirp close by. At first, I couldn't see where it was coming from - but then in a few moments, I spotted her sitting in the rose bush a short distance from the bird house and couldn't believe all that noise was coming from such a tiny bird! On looking closer, I saw that she had some small twigs in her mouth - how she was able to hold onto them and yell so loudly I have no idea, but it was then I realized we were keeping her from her appointed task - building her nest.

It was not easy waking Maggie from her comfy afternoon siesta, but after getting her inside, I stood at the door and watched - sure enough the tiny bird wasted no time going about her duties as a mom - preparing a home for her babies who will be arriving soon.  What an unexpected gift on this quiet, ordinary day - a blessing of the smallest kind - but aren't those the ones that make life so special!  God pays attention to the details in our lives as He does to His smallest creations - 'His eye is on the sparrow....'

I believe this is one way God speaks to us, and in order to hear Him, we must be aware - be still and know.... it's the little things that add up to make the extraordinary times in our lives. I am reminded of something I read recently - we do not remember days, we remember moments.  

So, be aware when you're outside enjoying these early Spring days - listen and watch for the sights and sounds of the earth coming to life in this season of renewal and rebirth. The wellspring of life lies in our heart - that is where, if we but listen, we can hear the voice of God.
                       
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... Eccl: 3:1