Free Bird

I'm giddy! Our barn swallows have come back for spring to roost on our back porch. There's something wonderful about these birds who come back each year to make their home with us. They come back of their own free choice. They make their own nest and find their own food. We don't do anything to support them except visually check on them daily, forgive the droppings on the porch, and cheer on the little ones when they learn to fly. (One year we did have to trap a rat snake that was making its way towards the nest. But that's an entirely different escapade!) We usually get at least two sets of babies each year.

More than being a sign of spring, I think I enjoy the swallows so much because it makes me feel proud that they choose to share their lives with us.

It struck me that we are somewhat like the swallows and God gets giddy whenever his free ones remember, and choose to live near the place called Home that provides shelter, a loving watchful eye, a protector, and a cheerleader for the times we stretch our wings and fly as we are intended.

The prayer for the congregation today... Let us learn to fly as we are intended and let us return to be close to God each morning, afternoon, evening, spring and fall. May an Irish blessing find it's way to each one's heart.

You are the peace of all things calm

You are the place to hide from harm

You are the light that shines in dark

You are the heart's eternal spark

You are the door that's open wide

You are the guest who waits inside

You are the stranger at the door

You are the calling of the poor

You are my Lord and with me still

You are my love, keep me from ill

You are the light, the truth, the way

You are my Saviour this very day.

You Are God - Celtic Oral Tradition - 1st millennium

Addendum: 3-19-08

I am, after all, positively, hopelessly, indecisive... I haven't stopped thinking about the analogy of the swallows. And I can also see them as an example of grace. They come as a free gift. I haven't done anything to bring them to our lives. They are a source of comfort, of wonder, and of miracles. Free for my benefit. Does one get giddy over being proud? Or does one become giddy from an inner core of happiness, peace and completeness?