Reflections from a Robin

Look at what I saw this morning out my bedroom window!  Yes....a robin!

It was about 7 a.m. and I had just taken my shower and was getting dressed.  My oldest daughter and my husband had just left for the day and my youngest was also getting dressed for school.

I thought I heard a robin's song.  I thought to myself that it couldn't be.....it is only March 5th and the robins don't typically appear here in our part of NYS until at least the 3rd week of March.

But...I heard it again.  It made me pause.  It was definitely the chirp of a male robin.

I cautiously approached the bedroom window, knowing that if I was abrupt with the sheer curtain, he would most likely fly away. I carefully and quietly drew back a part of the curtain and sure enough, sitting on a bare branch of the cherry tree closest to our house was a male robin.  For me, this is truly a sign that "spring has sprung". I watched him for a minute and quietly called to my 11 year old to come and see the first robin of the season.  Mistake...by calling out, it must have spooked the robin and he flew away before Claire could get to the window.  But....I assured her that he would be back.....

I began to think of the things that went through my mind as I stood and gazed at the robin:  things like the fact that the yard is so muddy with ugly brown grass; the 8 inches of snow we received last week has virtually melted, just leaving little piles built up around the perimeter of the yards.  The house needs a good power-washing and the flower bed is going to need a whole new bed of fresh mulch.  The rose bush needs to be trimmed and the driveway needs to be resealed.  But...somehow those things don't matter or don't seem overwhelming when put into the perspective that spring awaits and with it, the promise of new life.

This reflection from watching the robin led me to reflect on things that the Holy Spirit was whispering to my heart and mind.

Things like "Jesus will never leave you...He doesn't get scared when He hears the loud noises of your constant crying out to Him...He doesn't fly away".  He is always present even if my mind is filled with anxious thoughts or worries.

God reminded me that I need to be still and quiet in His Presence so I can hear His Still, Small Voice speak to me. Just like I had to be still and quiet in the presence of the robin, so too, do I need to be still and trust God in my busy moments.

And I was reminded  of these Scriptures:

• "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!" Zechariah 2:13

• "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:  "in returning and rest you shall be saved;  in quietness and confidence shall be your strength."  Isaiah 30:15a 

• "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My Strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a

and this portion of Scripture which so many of us had to memorize when we were young in the Lord:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

Be still.......look for Him in your daily musings and journey.....you will realize that He is close at hand when you allow your self to be still and quiet in His Presence......and if you need to cry out to Him.....you can have the assurance that He will never leave you.....He is not like the robin who gets spooked by the noise....He is our Redeemer who longs to quiet your mind, soul, and heart.