Boy, what a dreary day! It is the middle of winter; raining; cold; no color except for the occasional green blades of grass/weeds, evergreens and brown leaves hanging on the oaks. But over the past several days, I have seen color among the drabness.
Yesterday I was on the elliptical looking out the window at our empty silver maple tree when I saw a blue`bird. My favorite bird! As I continued to look at the branches, I saw 2 more blue birds! There were 3 bluebirds in that tree with their beautiful orange colored breasts and blue feathered backs (Carolina blue, maybe?). And why could I see them? Because there was nothing else to distract my vision - no other color. Now you have to understand that I am always looking for bluebirds; we have 2 houses around our driveway in the back so my eyes are already in anticipation of seeing some. Nevertheless 3 in one tree at the same time!! Thank you, God!
The day before I saw a beautiful red cardinal on the ground in our front yard. His color stood out among our green and tan grass/weeds. It was so vibrant that I couldn't have missed it. But also I had no other distractions around.
Prior to that I saw 2 bluebirds checking out one of our bluebird houses. Again there were no distractions blocking my vision. Earlier that day there was a beautiful bluejay in our front yard. His blue is spectacular! And yes, no distractions around!
I believe that God can show us things during the darkness; the rain; the drabness; the cold days. Yes, He can show us things during the difficult times; the depressing times, or simply the times when He needs our attention. Sometimes the darkness of days will depress me, and I think too much about negative things and wondering why I can't keep my focus on God.
But when God gains my attention by sending His own distractors, such as beautiful, colorful birds or other wildlife, I refocus and give Him the praise that He deserves!
Then I can benefit from listening to Him and serving Him. Sometimes it is a phone call, an e-card, or a text/email to someone. Other times it is a conversation with my husband or going for a walk (if it's not too cold!) or taking food to a friend. Sometimes it is just sitting quietly and talking/listening to God, trying to hear/understand what He is telling me. Sometimes I don't hear anything, but I know that He is with me and will tell me in His time - the right time.
I am not trying to say that this is easy to do. A friend taught me to crochet last summer so there are times I would rather be doing that. Or if there is a basketball game on, I am usually watching, especially if it is UNC, UVA, or NCSU! But then there are times when I know it is right to be with God (outside of my morning devotional time). I recently texted a friend that "I feel that if I don't read, sit still, and listen/learn now, I will have missed out on this God opportunity." And I don’t want to miss this opportunity, especially in the darkness when my distractions are limited!
So don’t despair in the darkness of this season of your life! He will get your attention to give you hope and to let you know that there is value and worth in the darkness. I hope He sends a bluebird or cardinal or yellow finch your way because these vivid colors will grab your attention and send your focus to the One who made these gorgeous creatures!
Thanks for stopping by,
Rachel
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