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Thursday, August 13, 2015

A Promise Kept

Last July I posted a blog entitled "Wren Resurrection." In the posting I described the pain and disappointment of witnessing my beloved house wrens murdered in their bird box. I suspected it was a catbird who was the culprit as the wrens kept chasing the catbird away while they were trying to nest. What appeared to be a safe haven for the house wrens turned out instead to be a death trap. In a way the journey I have been on in search of a new church home reminded me of the many "safe havens" I thought I had found only to experience death in my spirit with the use of the gifts God gave me being denied or ignored. These actions prompted me to leave many a church situation. However, after the devastating incident with the house wrens, the Lord sent another wren to perch on the railing of our deck as a reminder that He is a redeeming God. He restores that which is broken and brings back to life what appears to be lifeless and dead. That "resurrected wren" was God's promise to me to bring life back to that bird house. The Lord kept His promise as this spring a new house wren couple nested once again in the bird house. I was thrilled yet cautious given what happened last year. However, everything proceeded on schedule with the wrens laying their eggs and soon the frenetic activity began once the chicks emerged and began crying for food. The parents flew back and forth each taking turns bringing food to the nest. As the chicks grew bigger, their peeping grew louder and I knew it was just a matter of time before they were ready to fly. It's always an exciting time when the chicks are ready to leave the nest. I prayed that I might witness the event as I had done in years past. Meanwhile about a week ago, I was sitting at my computer when all of a sudden a robin attached itself to the screen and began flapping its wings briefly before flying off. I had experienced a similar event several years ago only it was house wrens attaching to various window screens both upstairs and downstairs, flapping their wings briefly and flying off. I was told that this activity spiritually speaking can be symbolic of the Holy Spirit's presence. I had a feeling the rest of the day wasn't going to be typical. Later that afternoon I was sitting in my den looking out the slider on to the deck and observing the wren activity at the bird house. I began to pray when I heard the sound of scurrying across the deck. I looked up to observe a highly unusual phenomenon. I hesitated to write or speak about it because I felt people might think I was crazy. However, what I saw was a squirrel, chipmunk, and small bird all moving together across the deck. They did not cross the deck one at a time at intervals but in a group! I thought I was seeing things! I couldn't help but think of "Nature's Trinity" moving together as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Shortly thereafter a hummingbird hovered just outside of the bird box where the house wrens were nesting and then flew away. It was if the hummingbird was checking out the new life that had emerged inside the bird box. I was reminded of the account of creation in Genesis 1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2) The hummingbird reminded me of the Spirit of God hovering over the creation of new life. In finding a new church home where I feel welcomed and safe, God has brought life back to my soul, restored my broken spirit, and resurrected my passion for Him. God is in the business of restoration and renewal as Revelation 21:5 states, "He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Sadly, while I was at work, the chicks apparently took flight because when I came home there was no longer any peeping, only silence. I was somewhat angry and disappointed as I asked the Lord to allow me the opportunity to see them leave the nest. However, a few days later, I was again sitting in my den praying when I heard the familiar call of the house wren. I looked up and there was a pair of house wrens perched on the railing near the bird house, flapping their wings and appearing to speak to each other. One flew off and the other flew up to the bird house and looked in a couple of times before also flying away. Once again the Lord appeared to be reminding me that although I didn't see the chicks take off, the wrens would be back next year for they had found a home where they feel safe and can bring forth new life. I thank the Lord that like those house wrens I have found a new church home where I too can feel safe and new spiritual life can come forth.
All Glory To God!
Pastor Sheree