Yesterday was one of those sunny fresh as a daisy days and mom and I decided to venture out to her two daughters grave sites to refresh their flowers. It is a ritual we do together that I have grown to love. On this last leg of her life journey she is more of a fragile rock than the strong willed tough girl who raised me. Her edges are softer and her vulnerability stirs my soul.
She always cleans off the stones before we replace the flowers, “a fresh start” she says. The wind was whipping through the two majestic trees beside us as my mom pulled out paper towels and water, scrubbing and cleaning the graves. Our cleaning supplies and plastic bags were taking flight dancing over all the headstones. As I leaned into the bronze vase I felt a large soft object fly low into my head, brushing my hair. At first I thought it was mom being silly and throwing paper towels at me. Startled I jerked my head up and saw a large beautiful bird leaving my head and flying low through the thick tangled branches. The wing span was expansive and mom and I just stared- mostly in disbelief at what just happened. Then it came to my spirit what God had said earlier to me, “I will cover you with my wings.” That beautiful bird’s flight pattern was an unusual reminder that God’s got us covered – no worries.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4
We both smiled at the power of God’s nature and His ability to send signs to His children to comfort us. Mom whispered in a raspy voice of being so sad and heart broken over the loss of her two precious children. Her breaking heart is tearing mine into pieces.
A few moments later it hit me, and I shared with her, really mom it’s like they took an earlier flight. We are all heading to the same place but on different flight schedules, some of us arriving earlier than others. Mom, I said, she just got there earlier than we will and she is making things ready for us. She smiled. I told her that bird was a sign, really, letting us know she arrived safely and we will see her soon. Quietly we gathered our supplies and walked to the car.
The winds may blow and change may indeed come, but I am covered by the shield of my faith in the one true God. Even though we depart this earth on different flights, our destination is the same and we will all meet again in our heavenly home.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
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