Last vestiges of evening’s light are soft, yet brilliant as the parting sun leaves its mark. An orange golden glow filters through tree branches just before darkness of night overtakes all colors but black . . .

My life, soul, spirit have seemed much the same over the past few months. Light fading, darkness immenint. Flare up of bulging discs in my neck intense. Covid 19. Working alone, at home. Trying to reinvent a ministry among at risk children based on an ever fluid school world.

Long lasting pain drains, brings tiredness. Low energy. Difficulty staying focused. Frustration at all that needs to be done and tasks that seem never to be finished by day’s end.

Admittedly, more darkness than light some days.

Sitting outside this evening, contemplating the beauty of waning light, the silence is broken by a familiar short burst of sound.

I respond with a short terse one note whistle.

The bird answers.

Comes near and lands on our bird feeder. Sends out its call again as if in reply. Back and forth we go. He looking for the other bird. Me enjoying the beauty of the moment.

Warmth. Familiarity. Reminder God is here . . . God is in everything he has created.

Muted feathers hide most of the emerging patches of brilliant red. A fledgling cardinal, taught by parents where to seek food and water, now ventures out on his own. Yet I imagine, still under watchful eyes of parents hidden in the trees thick canopy.

The bird is a gift of love to me. A reminder God is near.

I sense God speaking . . .

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God . . . In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend (could not overcome) it. John 1:1, 4-5

Come Lord Jesus, into the recesses of my soul. Help me to sense your Presence more quickly than I recognize the sharp distinct chirp of a cardinal. Help me hear, see You and live in the Light that never dims . . .