A Lesson from the Birds

During this gray and dreary winter I have come to realize something about myself. I am for sure a sunshine person. I absolutely love it. It does something deep for me to look up and see a bright blue sky and a brilliant glistening sun showering my face and skin with warmth. I'm one of those people who sits on the sunny side at the coffee shop...you know that spot that's like 100 degrees and shockingly bright. I actually imagine that I can feel God's love more tangibly, and happy moments that come my way are intensified by a beautiful sky as if it's some sort of mood altering drug.

So it goes without saying (if you live in the US) that this winter has brought anything but sunshine. Rain, snow, sleet, fog....but barely a glimpse of sunshine. It's been a little tough on my sun lovin self. What's happening inside of me would say otherwise. It seems that on the inside I am experiencing the beginnings of spring. But without the sun to share it with I feel like I'm not able to enjoy to the full. I've felt convicted about this mindset.

Jesus once told us to look at the birds for a lesson in how the Lord provides. Well He told me to look at the birds for a lesson in joy. Real, lasting joy does not come from a perfect husband, or a clean house, or toned abs, and it certainly does not come from a sunny day.

You see, I love to watch the birds. Particularly on a sunny morning as I take my pup out. I let her do her thing while I gaze up at the sky to throw up a few praises. I join the birds in what seems to be an amazing concert for God. They dance and play and sing with all their little mights. They do it all in great unison, as if it's choreographed. I am almost sure they are praising God for a new day. And I believe it makes Him smile.

Well this morning as I looked up and clutched my coat shut, I saw them. But this time the sky was gray and dull. The air was damp and thick and cold. But there they were. Putting on their concert anyhow. And I could feel my Jesus gently say, "Melissa, take a lesson from these little birds."

Winter will not last forever, but while it's here, I will choose to see the beauty in it. I've decided to no longer look to the sun for my joy but to The Son - who is my Joy and my Strength....and like those little birds taught me....my Song.

Praise you Lord. Love You Lord.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. -Isaiah 12:2

Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." -Isaiah 12:5-6

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. -Habakkuk 3:17-19