Be still and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10
n
The winter cardinals are back. Every November they begin arriving to settle into the protective comfort of the tall thick shrubs at the back of my yard. They number about 25. I encourage their winter-long visit with two constantly dripping birdbaths and multiple feeders overflowing with sunflower seed. They return the favor simply by being themselves.
n
The days are busy with singing and foraging and competition with the red-winged blackbirds that meander through in groups from time to time. But the magic of the winter cardinals happens late in the afternoons, near dusk, when all the other interlopers have given up and flown off to some distant roost. The cardinals in their resplendently red garb flit about the baths and feeders in an unscripted dance, moving in profound silence that is nothing short of sacred.
n
This time and place of beauty and silence at the end of each day becomes a holy ground, an introit into prayerful listening and contemplation. God’s presence is palpable in the dimming light as the birds silently wing their way to their resting place and leave my expectant heart waiting in the stillness for the mystery and blessing of the season.
n
God of all creation, help us to relinquish our busy-ness in this wondrous season of waiting. Enable us to be attentive to the movement of Spirit and to feel your all-abiding presence in every facet of our lives. Amen.
n
Betty Schroeder