Today’s Reflection
A BIRD FEEDER hangs on our front porch outside the living room window. It is a large and quite popular bird feeder. I often notice ten black-capped chickadees and sparrows perched on it at a time, with thirty or forty more waiting in the tree branches.
I love glancing up from playing with the kids to see the riot of feathers through the window. They connect me with nature and God’s creation, if only for a moment. I enjoy the ritual of filling the feeder: lifting it carefully from its perch, opening the stainless-steel bin of bird feed, filling the scoop, feeling the silky dust of corn and seed on my fingers, and listening to the gentle whir of the seed as it fills the container. My heart rate slows, my breathing deepens, and I feel connected to the Creator as I care for a little bit of creation.
—Lauren Burdette
This Life That Is Ours: Motherhood As Spiritual Practice
From page 49 of This Life That Is Ours: Motherhood As Spiritual Practice by Lauren Burdette. Copyright © 2019 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What signs of God’s creativity do you see around you? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
—Psalm 84:3, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Here I am, Lord.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something more
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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12 Comments
The first hints of spring are appearing – I see wee little crocuses breaking through the not yet green grass. Tulips are beginning to break through the ground by mom’s front door. Birds are up and singing early. God’s beautiful creation, re-awakening as the days grow longer and temperatures rise.
Father – I lift this community to you, the needs, the rejoicings, the crying out. For Mary and her mum – thank You that Mary is available and so desiring to help. Thank You for her quiet moments with You while with her mom.
For Lou and her care for her final child as a university decision is looming. Thank You for sustaining Lou these past three years of massive transition.
For Andrea and Lowell – as they seek to heal, thank You for seeing them safely home – may their bond be strengthened further through this trial. Yes, how You use difficult things to bring about good.
For Connie – and the coming spring, more action at the bird feeder and bird bath and the hope of flowers.
For Julie – and the promise of relief with warmer temperatures. May she also have hope of resolution, in Your perfect timing, for herself and Megan.
For Robert and his steadfast determination to see Erich happy with his career and life. For Annaliese and relief from pain and struggle.
For Rusty and K, may his dizziness not linger. He is noticeably absent again – may he regain his ability to drive.
For Betsy and such treasured time with Harrison. Bless her volunteer endeavors.
And I pray deeply for Marcy, grateful for what You have seen her through thus far. May medical payment and accessibility continue to improve. Thank You for simple joys we find in our pets.
Father, there are others – April, Edy, etc…draw us all nearer to You. May we shine Your light and love to those You place in our paths.
Please forgive me if I unintentionally left someone out.
God, watch over us this day and always.
Thank you God for being our source if strength.
May you bless Jill and her family. Grant them every thing they need and all the support to go through this difficult situation.
Blessings to all!
Our source of strength
Sorry typo error
All nature rings with God’s creation.
Off to check out a place, hope it goes well.
Blessings to all.
Creator God created me to be creative!!!
Praise God!
The changing of the seasons can only come from God. Reawakening of the ground, grasses, flowers, trees and birds. His creativity i is all around us! It is my favorite thing to witness.
Thank you, Jill, for your heartfelt listing of our UR family and their concerns. Blessings to all this day.
In Singapore, wedo not experience the four seasons but I enjoy the four seasons in other countries when I travel.
It is mostly sunny now but we do have rain in the afternoons.
Thank you God for refreshing the earth with rain and thank you for the sun too.
Spring is in the air, the awakening of the earth comes as we renew our commitment to be more like Jesus in our interactions. Sometimes it is not easy to let go and let God……
Yes, nature is coming alive slowly but surely. The winter’s are so long for me, I await the warm weather and try to be patient.
Prayers dear Jill, for you and your family. May your mom be comforted by your constant company and may you be strengthened and sustained by God as well as your friends and family. May your father be assured by your presence and may he never be alone. God be with you.
Prayers for Mary and her mom, may her mom continue to improve and may Mary continue to be joy filled.
Prayers for Betsy who has recently witnessed one of God’s greatest creations, a new baby. May he grow strong in Betsy’s love.
Prayers for Connie, may her heart gladden as the garden comes alive.
Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, may they continue to heal physically as well as emotionally.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they be safe as they travel and may they find the new home they search for by following God’s leading.
Prayers for Lou and her youngest child. May they both follow God’s path as they both make plans for the future.
Prayers for Rusty, may his health improve and may he be safe.
Prayers for Marcy, may she be safely moved and continue to receive the medical care she needs. May she continue to improve physically.
Prayers for Edy and Bill and for April and her family.
Prayers and blessings and warm hugs dear UR family and thank you for your prayers and kind words
Thanks Julie!
May you continue to be spirit filled!
Blessings!
I see flowers, trees, sunshine, thanking God that I got up this morning and the ability to be able to hear the birds.
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