Little Bird

Yesterday I ran beneath your trees, my breath was heavy and my mind busy sifting through memories. A soft wind bent their branches and I found myself showered by delicate purple blooms. Underfoot they cushioned my path, overhead they danced, and He whispered your name in my ear. 

Little Bird, you are a child of promise--the rainbow after a flood. You are a reminder that God is good, that He has compassion on all He has made. {Do you know that?}

Every year your trees bloom; without delay they awake full and strong, blessing the air and the ground with sweet lilac petals, pearls of joyful grace. At the peak of their splendor you were born, child of promise. He called you out, Little Bird, and gifted you with song. You might not remember but His song has always been in your heart--that glorious light melody of joy and redemption. It's been in you since the beginning. All creation pauses to hear you sing because in it, we hear the voice of God. 

I know you're all too aware that one day we each must learn to fly. We each must face the shifting seasons and undercurrents, yield to larger animals & care for smaller ones, learn what shelter is safe, and who will hear our cry. Everyone searches for their voice. But do you know, Little Bird, that your voice was never lost? Do you know that the One who gave you life holds you in His hand and has not been deaf to one note you've sung? Don't be discouraged by those who have heard and ignored, or heard and taken advantage. Your Lord suffered the same loss, frustration and pain, and He has always heard you. 

He sees you and He knows you, pure Little Bird. He has not meant for you to feel hungry or afraid. He has not meant for you to believe you are on your own, that you must make your own way or find security in anything other than Him. He has not meant for you to be overwhelmed; He has only meant for you to know He is God.  

He knows your heart and mind--merry Little Bird--He created you to delightedly flutter about from one branch to the next, chirp! peep!, open to harmonizing with all the other little birds and love life fully. Passionate is your heart, you fly with steady cadence toward justice and hope. You sing His song in the core of your being, do you know that? 

I have always heard Him in you.  

Precious Little Bird, do not put your trust in branches or nests, in gopher holes or mountain tops. Do not rely on the strength of your wings and don't believe that your wings have been clipped. Don't waste your time, young Little Bird, searching for who you are in dog houses, lions' dens, or chicken coops. Don't overturn the nest of your youth hoping your feathers might change color. No home is perfect--they are all crowded with feathers and poop, all chaotic with cries for food and warmth. Imperfect because we all forget who we are and what truly satisfies. No, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path {home}. Trust Him and those who sing of Him; any other song will not sit well with your soul. 

Your trees reminded me how extravagantly and passionately He loves you. They reminded me how blessed we are to have you among us, singing your life-giving song of truth and redemption. They reminded me of His faithfulness--how He promised me He would never let you go. 

In case you don't know: you are fearfully and wonderfully made, marked with glorious purpose and gifting, a light. 

In case you've forgotten: you are gracious and loving, gentle and honest, 
you are sensitive and peaceable yet you hold your own in defense of the truth, 
you laugh with ease, a soft hum is always on your lips,
you know that to everything there is a season,
you are patient and attentive, you give your time wholly and generously,
you know what is good, you do not settle for good enough, 
you love sincerely, with mercy that covers over a multitude of sins,
you are gifted with the voice of God, your Father has put His song of power in you.  

You are His, Little Bird, and your future is bright. Though it may be hard to see or sense Him with you, listen for His song rising up in you and know He is God. 

Live in the light and all your years will be golden. 

With all my love...