Hello Friends,
This year has been full of both the unexpected and difficult — a year of great sadness and growing faith. For Susan and me, it’s been a year of adjustments at every level: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Without exaggeration, every part of our lives has been altered to some degree. (And…we’re only in April!)
Yet in the midst of the changes and challenges, much has become more clear. Our priorities are being realigned. Our character is being refined. We are learning, as never before, to find joy in the simple things of life.
On that note, I’ve recently been waking up well before daybreak. While not a new thing, it’s been different over the last several weeks. As I awake, I’ve been hearing an eager bird outside my bedroom window. For whatever reason, this little one has decided that 4:51am is the right time to begin his (and my) day.
The first time I heard him I was surprised thinking that he’d gotten out of step with the rhythm of nature. Yet after hearing his song a number of mornings in a row, I began to look forward to his extra early “wake up call.”
I started to realize he was celebrating (in a bird sort of way) the new day. His chirping was not a commentary on the day before or warning about times to come. He was simply doing what he was created by God to do: sing beautifully in the dark while the dawn slowly arrived.
Though it sounds foolish, this bird has become my encourager. Like him, I cannot change what has happened in the past or focus on what tomorrow may bring. What I can do is rejoice in the new day the Lord has given.
Difficulty, uncertainty, and even pain have a way of clarifying our thinking. If we’ll allow, these can return us to what actually matters and endures. When plans and hopes seem to slip away, we can still find joy in the simple things around us. This little bird reminds me before my feet reach the floor that my Father is near and is worthy of my praise — even in the dark.
If you’re struggling in your own season of challenge, I offer a word of advice. Look for reminders of God’s presence and care. Look for him not only through big breakthroughs, but also in the small and subtle.
When you “see” him, join with all creation and rejoice! Darkness will not last…the light is coming!
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” (Psalm 59:16, NLT)
Grace Notes 