Have you watched a loved one or friend go round and round in circles? You want to help, but they won’t respond. In their anxiousness they keep circling over and over, making the same mistakes and trapped with no way out in sight.
courtesy of Church of the Holy Apostles
In the church where I work, there is a meditation garden, called a Garth, surrounded by a covered breezeway. My office window looks out onto it. Yesterday, a chimney sweep flew into the breezeway. It circled around and around, flying up to the ceiling and back down over and over. After about three passes, I tried to swing my arms to get it to divert to the left and out into the garden’s open sky. But it just continued on it’s frantic course. I realized, even though my efforts were noble and kind, I made things worse.
I worried the thing might die from exhaustion or break a wing as it kept banging against the ceiling looking for freedom from it’s plight. But my presence made it panic even more. My good attempts futile.
Discouraged, I went back to my desk. And yes, I prayed for the little guy. Within a few minutes, a juicy bug or perhaps the spring-flower filled breeze coaxed the swift into the garden. It lifted its wings and soared to freedom.
Lesson learned. Sometimes the best we can do is pray and let God coax them out of their circumstances. He knows what will get their attention even when we do not.
And the coolest thing? God made those fragrant flowers or tasty bug long before the swift became trapped. He knew when they would come in handy to entice the little bird at just the right time. Will he not do even more for those for whom we pray?
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14
Where Did You Find God Today? 
Beautiful post and so true.
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Beautiful post, Julie B. It filled my heart with loving hope and contentment for those for whom I pray. He is in complete control and knows just when to act. Thank you for that blessed reminder. I tend to be too helpful many times and need to learn that there are times when I am not needed by others. A time to be silent and watch Him at work in their lives.
We cannot always be the go-between for those who are suffering and oft times just need to wait while He steps in. We can pray and know that He is listening. This was a good message for me to hear today. Joyce * Heart”wings”
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We love the story, especially because we were able to visit the Garth with you, and because we love to watch birds, too!
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When I see a cardinal I think of Miho. Love y’all.
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How I needed to hear this today. Sometimes, like you did with the bird, I become so consumed with the pain of my GriefShare folks, I try to deliver them. And you’re right, I make them more frantic. Only God can heal our broken hearts and the best thing, more often than not, is to pray.
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A great reminder of who we are and what we can become.
~ Dajena 🙂
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