Strangely Inspired

Yes, I am still alive.

Have you missed the weekly blogs? I know I have. I think the Holy Spirit is giving me a break from any inspirations that would cause me to start typing. Instead, I have been inspired to do some very different things.

I have been inspired to take naps in the screened in porch. I sit down with my laptop after lunch to write, and before I know it, the cool gentle breeze, the bird songs, and my full belly lull me to sleep.

I have been inspired to rise earlier and commune with the resident deer that meets me each morning around 6:45 in the woods off our patio. We have a daily contest to see who shows up first. I’m losing.

I was inspired to set up a hummingbird feeder, and sure enough, I have a hummingbird who visits regularly now. This morning he was humming “Amazing Grace.” Just kidding.

I was inspired to buy a bird bath, and wow, I never realized how important personal hygiene was to our feathered friends. There is someone in there constantly, splashing around. The robin in the picture above made me laugh so hard. After creating a tsunami in the bird bath, he climbed out and just stood there with his feathers going every which way. It reminded me of myself in the morning when I’ve slept on wet hair. I guess I shouldn’t laugh.

I was inspired to stop weeding and just watch as four baby squirrels took what looked like their maiden voyage from the nest to the playground of tree branches all around them. Still fine tuning their acrobatic moves but trying to keep up the chase, a couple of them fell out of the trees. I would hear this thud and see one of them scampering back up the tree to join its band of maniacal siblings. Then another thud and another quick recovery and off it went. I’ve never seen that before. Is that nature’s way or is this just a particularly squirrely brood? (Pardon the pun.)

I was inspired to lay down a picnic blanket and sit in the front yard with our 13-month-old granddaughter, June, and throw fists full of grass in the air and squeal as it tumbled down on our faces. Over and over and over and over again. It never got old.

I’m really enjoying these inspirations. They are subtle, varied, and delightful. Just what I need. True gifts from a God who knows me well. A God who knows you well too. How have you been inspired lately?

Joan