Calm
Walking into the basement to search for a toy for her grandson she was startled. The enclosed space seemed to be filled instead with a red-tailed hawk. The terrified bird was definitely in the wrong place.
With her heart in her throat, she moved slowly toward the bird. It was clear that he was in distress. She calmed herself as she slowly, gently moved toward the animal. Edging nearer to him, she was close enough to reach out and touch him. Slowly, gently, with quiet words she told him of his beauty, his power, and his magnificence.
He calmed and allowed her to approach. Whispering reassurance to him, she slowly reached out and touched him. He was shivering, but allowed her touch. Using a small rug to wrap around him, she gently picked him up and began to carry him up the stairs.
He instinctively knew she meant him no harm. He allowed her to carry him without incident. As she came up the stairs she whispered to her family to remain calm and still. Her husband opened the outer door and she walked into the cool winter day with the hawk cradled in her arms. She walked into the yard as she continued to whisper calming words to him and sat him in the yard as she released him from her hold.
The magnificent bird sat in the yard. He calmly looked at his rescuer as he prepared to fly away. One wing didn't work right--he had been injured. She had backed off to allow him the freedom to leave, but was watching. Realizing he was hurt, she went into the house and called a nature center for advice. She sent them a photo of the bird and discovered he was a protected animal and was referred to a rapture rehabilitation program nearby. They were willing to take him and care for him.
Returning to the yard, she again whispered calming words as she moved toward him. He allowed her to gather him into her arms once more. She gently placed him in a pet carrier to transport him to the rehab center. He was not afraid. Instinctively, he knew she meant him no harm. Her quiet, still manner calmed him. He knew he could trust her.
Often chaos enters our lives and overwhelms us. Things happen. We are injured . . . hurt . . . broken and don't know where to turn. We find ourselves alone, desperate, not know where to turn. Our hearts race, our minds are jumbled and we are afraid. Sometimes it is all we can do just to breathe and continue on. Until we hear the quieting voice that whispers in our minds, soothing and gentling our spirits.
God speaks to us. As we listen to God's quiet, loving voice our spirits calm and we know that with God with us we can be healed. God's presence surrounds us, protects us, and loves us unconditionally. The consequences of our actions remain, but God calms us and leads us to help where we can learn, grow, and find safety.
We have a choice. We can continue to fight, to follow our own way, to rail against injustice, or we can turn to God. God will calm our minds and spirits. God will teach us to walk with God. God will teach us peace that passes all understanding. God will also use us to touch the lives of others with God's calming presence.
God, in these days filled with anxiety and fear help us to listen for your calming voice. Help us, o God, to be your gentle voice . . . your arms of love reaching out to those caught up in chaos and injustice. Teach us to whisper your still speaking message of compassion and love so that we may be soothing balm to a hurt world. God teach us to focus on you and to find your calm. So be it. Amen.
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