Social Cues

A procession of deer passed through a clearing, one at a time.

They seemed to be imitating the behavior of the leader.

A doe stopped after walking through the clearing in the woods.

She looked back over her right shoulder and seemed to listen attentively.

She looked forward, paused, and then looked over her left shoulder.

The next doe entered the clearing and walked to where her sister had been.

She copied the one preceding her and the last doe responded by joining her.

Did each one in line send and follow signals?

My mind processed the pattern too slowly for me to be sure.

Each community operates with subtle communications.

I’m learning to read the local signals in my own environment.

Praying for discernment shortens the process.

Listening to Holy Spirit enables me to maintain my daily walk.

Annoyance Diverted

The deer are making fresh tracks in the snow.

Their backs are getting dusted with white powder.

The Blue Jay is screaming in the tree tops.

Maybe he is singing.  I would be screaming.

The large woodpecker is ignoring him either way.

This winter weather wonder land is getting tiresome.

Yes, it is still beautiful. Yes, it is warm in my tree house.

Yes, I’m sheltered from the storm.  Yes, I have food.

Yes, I’m grumbling. Yes, I need an attitude adjustment.

Thankfully, my Heavenly Father knows my heart

and will forgive my little pity party.

It is time to pray and get on with the day.

Scenic Route

Over a decade ago, before we owned cell phones or a GPS,

our oldest son called home for help.

He was lost.

He explained how he had taken the wrong exit

and ended up in an unfamiliar place.

I had him describe his surroundings to me.

I instantly knew where he was

and shared how to get to where he needed to be.

Thankfully, I had been lost there before!

Some lessons are learned by making and correcting mistakes.

Sometimes frustrating situations are just little detours

that will end up blessing us and others.

I often take the scenic route.

Whimsicality

A puff of wind swept icy snowflakes off the roof

and sent them dancing in the sunlight.

The dazzling display was unexpected and captivating.

On this side of the window pane,

I was thrilled by the glistening,

whirling ice crystals caught up in the breeze.

Frigid times require moments of whimsy.

Intentionally focusing on the little packages of delight,

that the LORD blesses us with,

enables us to share joy with those around us.

Floral Arrangement

I’ve seen daffodils surrounded by a blanket of snow.

It is a picture I return to with a smile.

Prompted by today’s forecast, of gray being displaced by white,

I decided to recreate the picturesque disconnect.

I placed a tulip in a vase by my window.

It brightened the wintery landscape behind it.

Spring lingers in the distance.

I can enjoy it from afar as I watch the deer frolic in the snow.

Prayer Changes Things

People put a lot of time and effort into trying

to make a difference in the world.

Everyone desires to have their life mean something.

Sadly, most people never understand that what we say

and how we think alters history.

Reckless words can act like a machine gun.

Bad attitudes can spread like mustard gas.

Love spreads peace, joy, encouragement, and hope.

Praying, in Jesus’ name, releases power that is immeasurable.

Today, I choose to have a positive impact.