A NEW MEDITATION

Last spring I was walking the grounds when I spotted two Cedar Waxwings sitting on a branch in a silver maple tree just above me.  Oddly, they didn't fly away like most birds might have. I quickly noticed they were engaged in a most interesting "dance" with each other...paying absolutely no attention to me! 

The first waxwing held a small twig with a flower bud at the tip in its beak. It walked sideways about 3 or 4 steps towards the other and extended the twig. The second bird took the twig in its beak and side-stepped away from the first bird, who then side-stepped towards the second bird and took back the twig. They probably marched about 3 feet down the branch, exchanging the twig back and forth, until something scared them off.  It was an interesting courtship display and at this time of year these things are going on all over the place!

 

Birds are fascinating creatures and so much fun to watch and try to figure out. On April 27-28, Heart By Nature Retreats will host its first Women's Group Retreat of the year exploring Bird Watching as a Mediation

 ...a way to focus on Beauty (calming our busy brains)

...a way to enter Worship

(the wonders of God are praiseworthy)

...a way to Release fear and stress

(birds remind us that we are to be "careless in the care of God," to paraphrase Jesus).

So, if you are a novice bird watcher...come learn something new.  If you are a skilled birder...come teach us something new.  Or if you have never even considered watching or learning about birds...come ask what they can teach you through the Spirit of God.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,

   or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;

 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

   or let the fish in the sea inform you.

 

                                                                      Job 12:7-10

Visit www.heartbynature.com for more information