… watching for the brushstrokes of God
The sky is the limit as birds travel the world. An inner GPS system, electromagnetic capabilities, smells or sights, birds find their way unerringly in these wide open spaces. Maybe a birds eye view helps. Much of our lives lack these open space journeys in the frenetic pace of our days that leave us feeling spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically weary and worn.
What inner system guides you into open spaces?
“If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I’d look up into the sky —up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer. ~ L.M.Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Where do you feel prayer?
Some days just are like that. You sense pretty early on that it’s going to be a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” and maybe you scan the evening sky for pink clouds that hold the promise of sunshine for the next day.
How do you handle a day like that?
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence… Isaiah 64:1
How are you longing for God’s presence this Advent season?
“As autumn gave way to winter, those bare limbs, stretched black against the sky, revealed the essence of trees and the way that death can open us to the essence of life. I was able to see the trees in a different way and came to appreciate the beauty of sparseness.” Christine Valters Paintner, The Soul’s Slow Ripening
How do you appreciate beauty in sparseness?
I stand at the doorway,
feel the pull between
inside burrowed under blankets,
fire glow and candles,
and stepping out under stars
— Christine Valters Paintner, “A Door Opens”
What pulls you?
With the Eyes of the Heart 