Ancient Eyes and Birdsong Mornings

A dead tree pays honor to the beauty of a brilliant sunset;

A memory of love yields its capacity to the hope of new love;

The brokenness of age contrasts the perfection of a newborn’s cry;

The faded bloom is outperformed by the brightness of a new bud;

The cry of pain soon gives way to the joy of healing;

A fierce storm ushers in a birdsong morning;

Ancient eyes stare into the innocence of youth.

The world keeps turning.

Life regenerates.

The old is but a memory of what used to be.

Yet…the old, the storm, the brokenness, the pain - are still honored, cherished, found beautiful, in what they invite into the now. Selah.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Blessing of Solitude

I actually slowed down enough the other morning to put down my phone, my Bible, my laptop, and my work. I turned off my brain, sat outside, and simply listened.

The multitude of bird songs felt like a cacophony of love.

When I tuned in to one special bird above me perched in a dead tree, I counted at least eight different trills.

That was what was so different this time. I actually quieted down enough to think about counting the trills of a mockingbird.

The peace and joy his songs carried assured me things would turn out okay for us...for all of us.

That bird had no idea how his presence blessed me and changed me - probably forever.

I want to be like that bird...where my "songs" of life can bring joy and peace to others.

God is so kind to send me a songbird to bless my solitude.

Psalm 104:12-13 - The birds build nests near the tranquil streams, chirping their joyous songs from the branches above. From your kindness you send the rain to water the mountains from the upper rooms of your palace. Your goodness brings forth fruit for all to enjoy. (TPT)

Identity Check

About 18 months ago, I was gearing up to start the  planning of my next big event. We'd been putting on the Beautiful Smart Lady Summits in Colorado for seven years and I was excited for the next one.

But something didn't feel right.

When God asked me to take a break for the year and be still - I gasped. We had just moved to Texas, and He thought I needed rest and family for awhile. I was thankful to Him and trusting He knew best. But in the time that followed, I realized my identity had become attached to my ministry work. Here is where I felt validation. Here is where I felt important. Who was I apart from it?

Even when what I do is good, right, and helps people...it can't become who I am. So, I've been auto-correcting during this sabbatical with Papa.

As a result of "time out," I've learned all about living inside the grace of one day; and listening for His voice and doing what He says. 

I don't always succeed in this. But I can say that because I took that time, I have drawn closer to the Lover of my soul.

My true sole and soul identity is simple: I'm His beloved daughter who is listening and fulfilling the ideas that come from His mind by using the gifts He's given me. He's in everything!

Selah!

Matthew 28:20 - "I am with you always; even to the end of the age."