Things You Keep And Things You Give Away . . .
"Deep within, you know that the only thing that is truly important is being in alignment with spirit." Wayne Dyer
I padded onto the front porch with a mug of winter spice tea. It was about the time for my little visitor to appear. For the past few months, a red cardinal has perched ever so gingerly on the branch of the river birch tree in my front yard. He caught my attention back in October, and I thought it was just a coincidence, but something tells me that there's more to our encounters.
Most days, he shows up (I don't know why I say him), and then some days, he doesn't, but each time, it gives me an opportunity to be present in the moment. I breathe deeply and marvel at the morning sun or the clouds. I may even say a prayer or meditation.
The beginning of the calendar year often brings introspection and an opportunity to begin or end something. This is the first time I didn't have the desire to do either.
I want to continue this journey and see where it takes me. Sure, there are things I'd like to do and places I'd like to see, but it's par for the course. If I continue to lean into my desire to grow my relationship with God, all of those things will be added (Matt 6:33).
I firmly believe this. I feel it deep in my bones.
I'm not trying to be righteous; just trying to get it right. I'm learning how to carry what belongs to me with grace and dignity and give the world the rest.
That's what my friend has gifted me with. I see him sitting there carefully balancing his weight against the give of the branch. It seems so effortless because he's been designed to do so. It's an inherent part of who he is, and it's the same with us. We get out of balance, and we fall far short when we are out of alignment. When we are in places that weren’t purposed by design for us.
The unspoken lesson was that consistency played a key part in this. I didn't realize it, but because there was a sense of anticipation of his arrival, I made a special effort to be where I needed to be for an encounter with his presence.
Read that again.
I read that an encounter with cardinals is spiritual in nature, ranging in anything from a representation of a departed loved one to “life, hope, restoration,” according to caringcardinans.com. I think it’s all spot on. When my granny passed a long time ago, I would see a cardinal outside my apartment window. I was devastated, but that occasional little flicker of red in my peripheral provided such peace. And still now, with losing loved ones in 2023 back to back, the cardinal’s visits have given me a little a reprieve.
As you go into this year, I hope you’ll experience the unlimited power of faith and that your steps are ordered. I pray that you’re guided to places where you belong, that you’re able to be consistent in your prayer life, acknowledging Him in all you do …and giving yourself time to just marvel and look at the sky and the clouds. Celebrate you being part of His creation.
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X,
Cece
What I’m Reading Right Now
My TBR pile is disrespectful. Coming out of the holidays I bought more books, y’all — don’t judge me. Well, no go ahead and judge me, I don’t care. LOL! I’m trying to slow down this year because I’ve intentionally select these books and I want to savor them all. I’m starting with this one: Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family by Rabia Chaudry. The reviews are promising and I read the first line and was immediately pulled in.
I’ve updated by bookshop list, go check it out. Some of my reads aren't there because they’re not on the platform but you enjoy. Please.
What I’m Writing Right Now
I’m sketching out a short story for the summer. Can’t promise anything but I hope to have it completed. I really enjoyed the feedback I received from the The Christmas Arrival: A Gullah Geechee Holiday Novella and am encouraged to keep going. So stay tuned and if you’re interested in being a beta reader, let me know. I’m still learning. I’m still finding my voice with fiction writing. You know I love hearing from you: hello@cynthiaharbor.com