It has been a long, hard winter. Lots of snow, lots of ice, lots of cold, and lots of distressing life-stuff.
The other day I stood outside, trying to get into my locked house. I didn’t want to be outside, and there was no objective reason why my house key shouldn’t work, but it didn’t. As I stood on the icy snow, trying to solve the problem, I wondered why.
Why does God want me to be outside right now? It’s cold and slippery and I don’t want to fall on the ice. Besides, I have things to do inside, useful and important things. So why do I have to be outside right now?
And then, as I was pondering, a bird sang. Then another one, high in a bare tree. A few notes of pure joy floated on the cold air.
Although it did penetrate my foggy-headed weariness at the time, I only later realized how kind God had been to me.
Just knowing that there are birds and that they still do sing was a gift of hope.
God used a house key that temporarily did not work to make me realize this again:
Birds still do sing. They praise God…and so can I.
It is my prayer that you will be strengthened through winters and difficult times and reminded that you, too, can still praise God, just like the birds that sing in the cold.
Annie Kate-sorry about your long hard winter and lovely about the reminder from the bird.
Habakkuk 3 v17-19
Our birds are getting louder in the mornings, and I love to think they are just as excited about spring as we are. Our snow is gone, but it is still colder than usual, putting off my plans to ride my bike. Good for you, finding the joy in a frustrating moment.
Such sweet words.
Finding God in the ordinary moments. I love this! Warm weather will surely arrive soon.
Thank you for that text, Sarah Elizabeth.
And I must confess, Cheryl and Jenn, that I did not find God or joy in this case. On the contrary, He very deliberately found me, stopped me in my tracks, and gave me the gift of hope. Praise be to Him!
This encouraged me today. Even when it seems cold and I can’t get to where I want to be, God reminds me of the songs around me. The praise in all belongs to Him.
Thanks for sharing.