(A journal dialogue between God and me)
ME:
I love temperate mornings like this, Father, when I can spend moments on the deck with you, reveling in your creation. Thank you for this little island of quiet amidst urban commotion.
Dark clouds of yesterday have given way to those that artists love to paint: cotton puffs of white, some breeze-pulled into wisps.
The black walnut tree already wears many golden leaves. Occasional leaf showers create a dazzling parade of drifting sunflakes. Summer has acquiesced to fall.
Our squirrel friends have picked up another game of tag. They dash at alarming speed from tree to tree, and sometimes spiral up and down the trunks. Familiarity may contribute to their surefootedness, but such dare-devil antics still amaze.
At least several hummingbirds have visited the feeder since I settled in my chair. No doubt they’re fueling up for migration.
Some hover as they drink, wings and tails a blur of motion. Others rest briefly on the bar, take a quick sip, then fly up and back to warily scan their surroundings. A few partake from one opening and then another. Perhaps they’re hoping for different flavors?
Still others rest on the bar and take long gulps. When this latter group pauses, they remain still. Their glances about appear relaxed, as if they’re simply enjoying the view.
GOD:
Let the habits of the hummingbirds inform yours.
You are one of my little hummingbirds—small and practically defenseless. But you can fly! In your spirit you can fly at hummer-speed to me, your Provider and Protector.
In me you find all you need, just as the nectar in flowers or feeders provides for the hummingbirds all that they need.
Let the hummers who rest be a reminder to you. There is no reason to be in constant flight, hovering over this task and then on to the next in a flurry of hurry.
Take note of the birds who rest on the bar and enjoy their surroundings between sips. How can you do the same?
The occasional worship-pause at the kitchen window is a good start.
And your daily gratitude journal offers more moments of reverent respite.
ME:
You just gave me another idea, Father (1).
As you lead me to scriptures or quotes that inspire praise, I can copy them to tuck here and there as reminders.
GOD:
And when you come across one of those cards, quietly rest a moment in its truth. Look around and within for reasons to thank and praise me, as prompted by that scripture or quote.
And what will be the result? Refreshing restoration. Renewed energy. Augmented joy. Deeper peace (2)—in spite of the troubling political and social climate and concerns surrounding Covid.
Fly with confidence into the days ahead, little bird—strengthened and refreshed in me.
Notes:
- James 1:17. All good gifts come from God—even good ideas.
- Psalm 23:1-2; Psalm 19:7-8; Psalm 119:111; Psalm 119:165.
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; Nancy Ruegg (3); http://www.needpix.com.
From the Inside Out 
You found God’s tapestry just by taking time out with him. A good reminder for us to stop and absorb what God has made for our enjoyment. And it doesn’t cost a dime, just our time.
Thanks Nancy, God bless you and Steve. I.pray you both are doing well
Indeed, weaving the tapestry of worship is an ongoing blessing! Steve is doing very well currently. His team of doctors finally found the perfect balance among his umpteen medications! We are so thankful there have been no issues requiring hospitalization during these months of self-isolation. And it shouldn’t be long now before a Covid vaccine becomes available. They’ve already started human trials at the university hospital here!
I am glad to hear that. God bless you both.
Nancy, what a beautiful post! To sit at the feet of Jesus and rest, to be still and listen. Thank you for sharing, may I simply rest in Him.
Thank you, Pam. And I echo your prayer: May I simply rest in Him!
There is nothing like that time with the Lord, He speaks and reminds us of who we are, love this, my friend. Thanks for the encouragement
Praise God you found blessing here, Brenda. Thanks to you also for YOUR encouragement!
I feel refreshed after reading your blog. Thank you, Nancy.
Hallelujah for God’s refreshment to you through these words. I’m praising him here for his inspiration and guidance!
Thank you very much for the spiritually uplifting post.Praise and honour for the mighty one is all that we can afford to give .As I read this post you have enabled me to be a part of worship to the Lord.Take care.🌷👍🙏
Praise God these words led you to worship, Francis! So glad you found spiritual uplift here.
Amen.🙏
Nancy,
Beautiful! thank you and Blessings to you and Steve! Janet
Thank you, Janet. So glad you found beauty here. Steve and I are definitely sensing God’s blessings. He is doing very well these days. Thank you for all your prayers on his behalf!
Nancy, thank you for this refreshing and inspirational post. What a beautiful way to start the day immersed in and surrounded by many of God’s blessings! My love and best wishes to you and Steve.
Praise God you found refreshment and inspiration here, Ruth. We ARE surrounded by his blessings, aren’t we? Such benevolence from a perfect God to imperfect humanity boggles the mind!
Awesome post, Nancy!
My heart resonates with yours so well. I love to sit out on my back porch and enjoy the crisp morning air, watch the hummingbirds and talk to my Father. What a great start to the day. And a blessed reminder to learn some lessons from the hummingbird. Thank you for writing and sharing this post, through which God blessed my heart!!
Ah, Kathy, now when I set up camp in my deck chair (Bible, study materials, prayer cards, quiet time notebook, coffee), I’ll think of you doing the same! Couldn’t agree more: it’s a marvelous way to start the day. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
wow this gave me goosebumps. Just you and God talking together. beautiful images too. so peaceful
Such a delight to give you goosebumps, Jean! Praise God for his presence and inspiration!
A beautiful description of you communicating with our Lord. He does provide us with “refreshing restoration, renewed energy, augmented joy, and deeper peace” when we come to him with an open heart and an empty mind, ready to receive those blessings. The trend of ‘multi-tasking’ has done us no favors, has it? I’ve gotten so used to trying to do too many things at once! I so appreciate this reminder to just be still and commune with Him. Also, I’m thrilled that Steve is doing so well! And what a blessing that is to you and your family during these times.
You are SO right about multi-tasking being over-rated! Now research has proven it doesn’t work very well anyway, unless one of the tasks is mindless and the other does not require deep concentration. Our brains just weren’t wired to work that way–efficiency and competency suffer. But I do tend to hurry–even in retirement, trying to accomplish as much as possible or to get through the “have to’s” so I can get to the “want to’s.” I AM learning to be still, especially during my quiet times each morning (which can stretch quite long some days). P.S. We are very thankful for Steve’s continuing health. He hasn’t had to be hospitalized at all during this pandemic–praise God!
I identify with your time outside with God and a journal. 🙂 With a busy life and noisy children, often my only haven is to get out on our backyard patio to be with God. I share a bit about that here: https://saralivingfree.com/2020/05/22/do-you-feel-a-lack-of-spiritual-connection/
I did read that entry, Sara! (You’ll see my comment there from June.) I wonder how many of us there are who find our haven with God outdoors? Quite a number, I imagine. Soon it’s going to be too cold here; I’ll light candles in my office instead!