Cardinal Blessings

As I write this, I am seated by a window, overlooking my garden; sadly, it is now too cool to sit outside. I am attempting to read my daily devotional and Bible. (This practice "grounds" me, before the demands of the day begin!) A sudden movement beneath a bird feeder catches my attention — and then there is another! I look up, and see a beautiful cardinal "couple", busily feeding on seed, below my window. Amazingly, they are not startled by my movement — they are such shy birds, and the slightest motion usually sends them flying to safety in a hurry. Fascinated by their sheer beauty, I continue to watch them rather than focus on the Word! I sincerely thank the Lord for a wonderful beginning to my day. How He knows how much I love watching birds in my garden!

Next, my attention gets drawn to an inner "voice" — the voice I recognize as being that of the Holy Spirit! Dutifully, I respond and return to my meditations, all the while still listening to the Lord's promptings. What I "hear" is that this moment needs to be set down on paper, and needs to be held on to for moments when I have to be reminded of things that are not of the Lord, and that cause me to turn from the Word! Lovingly, I am drawn back — while still being presented with God's magnificent creatures outside my window. Now, I really am, once again, focused on God!

As if rewarding me for my obedience, the cardinals continue their busy feeding schedule, seemingly oblivious to my presence on the other side of the glass, and for this, I thank my Father, for they bring such joy into my heart and soul. Obedience brings such blessings — and yet we often dismiss doing what is right, in favour of doing what we want.

Isaiah 48:17 – I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (NIV)

Prayer: Father, forgive us for the many moments in which we allow our attention to be preoccupied with things not of You, even though we know that our focus should be on You alone. Thank You for the tender ways that You call us back and show Your love for us, despite our errant ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.