Turning weaknesses into strengths

Effective design occurs when negative and positive spaces are in harmony. (Joseph Gyurcsak)

       My morning ponderings and meditations have been centered on how I can use my weaknesses to become my strength. I recently had surgery and it was painful and forced me to slow down. I wanted to maintain my normal energy and creative projects right away. Well, that couldn’t happen, but through my weakness, I was given new inspirations and truths. 

       I watched my friend’s daughter learning to walk. The mother meticulously taped each step and shared the child’s progress on face book. It reminded me of my sons when they learned to take their first steps.  There was a lot of falling on their bottoms, pushing up, reaching out to my extended arms, and focusing on me.  When they focused on me, they didn’t stumble or plop down. They were encouraged and their weakness became their strength. Those heavy heads began to balance and those wobbly legs moved in harmony. They each became more confident and less afraid.  They trusted me and moved toward me. If they lost their focus, they would stumble and fall. 

       That vision stayed with me all week.  Aren’t we always taking first steps, again and again? When my eyes are fixed on Jesus, I can go forward. My weakness becomes my strength because I learn to trust Him, keep my eyes on Him, and allow His gentle words to coax me, encourage me, and remind me how much He loves me. His outstretched arms draw me into new truth, new understanding, and balance my weaknesses of unbelief, misunderstanding, and human faults. The scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds me:“ My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Through Him, all days are filled with balance and harmony because my fears,doubts, and insecurities are reduced when I focus on Him.

Hummingbirds are my coffee.

Hummers, Cardinal, and Finches

Hummers are my coffee

      Outside the large window in my studio, I hang a feeder for hummers. They bring me such delight when I hear the whir of their wings and see their pointed beaks dip into the sweet water I have provided. I also hang a special safflower feeder to attract the cardinals, as well as a finch feeder filled with thistle, and another long tubular feeder filled with wild bird seed that the house wrens gobble up in a half day. When I awaken at five or five thirty, I know I am retired and should know better, but my body says “time to get up.”  So, I do.

      I anticipate seeing my bright red cardinal, Arnold, and his fluffy wife Anita. They never disappoint me.  Also, my little hummer family arrives and gives me morning blessings.  Edgar is downright muscular looking for a hummingbird. His wife Allena is tall and thin, and their Baby Boo is my kitchen window feeder’s constant visitor. I talk to Boo while doing dishes or cooking.  He is so tiny and listens to me coo his name and say these words.

     “Baby Boo be brave today.  Glad to have you right here in my window. You are beautiful, courageous, and a speedy flying machine.”

      I named him Boo because he was so skittish when he first arrived.  He has grown about an inch during the summer.  I love how he stares at me when I talk to him.  He is braver and more mature now, but still my Baby Boo.

      The finch feeder is covered with bright, yellow finches hovering all up and down the long black cylinder. They are a magnificent sight and evidence of God’s creative power. These visitors begin my day with joy and expectation.

       I think birds teach me so much about my spiritual life. I imagine God in the heavens happy to have me at his window feeder each morning.  I hear in my spirit the Creator say, “You are my joy and the apple of my eye.  Go forth with courage because I am by your side. Spread my word and tell others how much I love them because I created them to soar, to love, and to have an abundant life.” 

        Baby Boo may not understand my exact words, but he trusts me and can sense the essence of my love pouring through the window.  I, like Baby Boo, know I can trust my Savior and feel His love pouring in me each morning.