Birdsong

The days following Mother's Day were not my best days to say the least. Lonely, sad and tired basically suits my state of mind.  On Tuesday morning I went out for my walk carrying the weight of these emotions with me. The day was cool and overcast, befitting of my mood. As I walked, I cried out to God with all of the heartache within. I can't do this anymore! I just want Mikael back! I need help! I don't know what I'm doing Lord! Please help me! I let the tears flow and the feelings out.

Some distance down the road, a sound penetrated my consciousness; the sweet melody of the birds in the trees. I had been so caught up in my grief the birdsong initially went unnoticed. Stopping to listen, I came to a realization. Although God hadn't made these birds suddenly appear (they had been there all along), he most certainly drew my attention to them, to their pure, enchanting, hopeful song. I have spoken about the power of joy many times and this was one of those moments. God didn't bring my attention to the music of the birds to suddenly snap me out of my sadness or to imply it was unacceptable. He did it to remind me that there is a joyous life happening around me I want to be a part of. The sadness remained, only now accompanied with hope. And this is the place where we are able to take the next step, and the subsequent steps afterwards.