Chasing Bluebirds.
We chased the Cardinal and the Bluebird from where we sat. It was something my mom and I did when I visited her in Kentucky. We would sit quietly on the porch and wait for the colorful creatures to show up in the bird feeder we had set out.
The waiting was a big deal. It had taken decades, but we could finally sit in comfortable silence together and just 'be well'.
We saw lots of Cardinals and only one Bluebird during our time. At the time, we didn't know the meaning of the birds, we simply knew their colors. Or maybe the colors knew us.
I've since learned that the Cardinal can withstand winter. He represents strength and stands firm during the hard winter months. The Bluebird represents joy and peace. She flies from home to home in migration.
It's no wonder we wanted to see more of Mr. Blue. The colors called us.
On the morning of Mom's funeral, I noticed red as I sat quietly on the front porch in the cluster of trees across from me. And then blue. It wasn't just one or two, it was a family of Cardinals ... and a family of BlueJays.
I sat alone and watched in fascination as a beautiful mixture of red and blue danced together, singing and chirping and calling me.
Strength and joy, dancing. I wonder if she was on the front porch of Heaven, captivated right along with me.
So, now, I'm always looking. I chase bluebirds, redbirds, and even the vibrant yellow bird. Yellow also sings of joy and happiness. When my Aunt passed, she brought the yellow bird into the adventure. It's a beautiful gift from above that lets me know that I am truly, truly known. By Him.
That front porch is gone, but I search the skies wherever I am. And, I am blessed so often to see them. They are usually quick visits and I ache for more long after they have flown away.
Mostly I see common birds. Their music leads as my eye searches for the vibrant & catchy colors of red, blue, or yellow.
I used to look right past the ordinary ones, but lately, I'm learning to linger a little more to take notice of them. I'm learning to stop for a moment and watch them flutter around understanding more and more that their color represents an extraordinary sense of community. They are the ones bringing the beautiful birdsongs to me first thing every morning.
I hope you see colors flying in the sky, and if not, I hope you will now. And, I hope that while you are looking for that elusive bluebird in the sky, you hear the songbird who is right next to you.
Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
