Life Lesson 

As I put my toes in the sand, I sink into its warmth.  The dry land embraces my feet.  It makes me aware that I must choose.  Yes, I must decide which direction I move toward the ocean.  Should I walk on the shells, wince and complain?  Perhaps, I need to take more steps on a smoother turf to reach my destiny.  Each step is a process of sinking and selecting.  This awareness reminds me of life.  I may choose to retreat and just stand on the boardwalk and not enter into the clement waters.  I can see the cerulean hues and hear the swish of waves.  This is pleasant and comfortable.

Then, I crave more.  I select a different path to the ocean.  The sand is lukewarm, soft, filled with lovely childhood memories. The sunshine on my skin soaks into my bones.  The balmy breeze brushes my face as I step into the water.  Suddenly, I encounter the waves of life.  They wash around me and sometimes make me off balance.  I must commit myself again.  Do I want comfort or understanding?  I see something shining under the water.  I reach for it just as an oncoming wave snatches it from my sight.  The treasure is gone.  It has been washed out to sea.  Do I quit?  Do I give up?

I choose to stay.  I fight the salty waves trying to push me down.  I ground my feet into the wet sand below.  I am a warrior.  I rest in the position I am in and reach toward the Almighty.  I know He is with me.  I am certain He cares about my destiny because He created me for it.  I am not a robot, so He doesn’t make my choices.  I choose my path, my balance, and my way of reaching and trying.  I reach again for the diamond beneath the water and, this time, I catch it.  It is a pointed shell broken but still lovely with its alabaster finish.  Broken yet beautiful.  I like how smooth it feels and how in the sunshine it reflects rainbows of light and color.  I have received a gift from the hands of the tide. For this I am grateful.

Psalm 36:5, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (NIV)

Kite prayers

Kite flying

Thinking About Prayer

I know many of us spend time in prayer. We sometimes offer up hurried prayers when we are off and running. Other times we linger over our prayer journals writing each request neatly on the blank page.  Other days, we seem to live in prayer. We pray when washing dishes, driving the kids, cleaning the house, and when gardening. Then there are those kite day prayers.

What are kite day prayers you say? Well, those are the days we linger with the Lord just holding onto a ray of light to the throne room. A thought occurs and a prayer concurs. Another wind thrusts our vision upwards, and we offer a request so big that we know only God could answer such a dire need. We just hold onto the sunbeam in our minds and thoughts and prayers create the weights on the tale of the kite.  The weights are ours and the wind gusts are His. He thrusts forward our words, thoughts, and prayers. 

I love kite prayers because I lose control. My words aren’t fancy or contrived or familiar repetitions. Instead, they freely are released unto the kingdom. He is in charge, and I am making the request, the offerings, and the affirmations of love.  It is free time and indulgence with the Holy Spirit. 

Just as when we fly kites in the spring, there is a refreshing and excitement in this type of praying. It takes time, silence, focus, and an unseen power. The power of prayer comes forth.  Today is a kite prayer day.  How about you?  Interested in flying heavenly kites?

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.