What’s On their Minds?
With all my senses I enjoy this short-sleeve
teaser of a day to the fall jacket day coming.
Although many leaves have let go from the trees
there are countless lovely colors on this one small tree.
I wonder if small juncos feeding take note
of autumn leaves providing jackets for grasses?
Do they smile in the quietness and smirk at
greedy squirrels attempting acrobatics to steal seeds?
Do God’s creatures take note of children on bikes
imitating the flight of birds while flying ‘round and ‘round?
Will the robins who’ve stayed, wish they’d migrated south
with the flock when temperatures sink, and the wind blows?
We can’t enter minds of wildlife that entertain us
but do give thanks to God for one more day on earth.
Psalm 13
1 How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever? *
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,
and grief in my heart, day after day? *
How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; *
give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over this one,” *
and my foes rejoice that I have fallen. 5 But I put my trust in your mercy; *
my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
6 I will sing to the Lord who has dealt with me richly; *
I will praise the name of the Lord Most High!
Awareness of God’s Goodness
During the college football season, sports journalists often speak of the importance of special teams. Decades ago, Howard Thurman wrote that God is not just part of the special forces who comes in to kick the ball when needed, God is closer than breathing, nearer than our hands or feet.
When we feel lonely or forgotten by God, we might turn to nature to receive divine blessings in the here and now. Meditating on one leaf, stone, or bird in flight, reminds us of God’s abiding presence.
In this Season of Gratitude in which we celebrate the riches of harvest, it’s lovely to hear the voice of a familiar person. I feel grateful when a hollow space in my heart is filled and cannot help but sing a simple tune when seeing your smile. It brings awareness of the goodness within your heart and mine.
Close your eyes and feel God’s love wrapping around you.
You are worthy of all this beautiful love,
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view and download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2021-11-17