I usually spend the first part of Friday morning at home writing the “Minister’s Note”. Or, rather, wondering what to write. What is God saying? How can we better prepare for worship? I usually start with Sunday’s Psalm. Sometimes, however, I find myself staring vacantly out the window. This can be fruitful. The Coral Tree, for example, serves as a burning bush when it flowers.
Most mornings a Fiscal Shrike, noisily announcing his presence, perches on a branch. He proudly displays his suit; the white “V” is perfectly tailored. Then he spins around for me to admire his full belly. He seems to say: “Another beautiful morning, isn’t it. God is great! Look how well fed I am”, before showing off his speed as he searches for another morsel.
Maybe I was more aware of him because of my own fiscal challenges (I’d just received a rather ominous repair Quote). Certainly the fiscal challenges of our nation are never far from mind.[1] But the Lord seemed to say: “Look at the birds, free and unfettered, … careless in the care of God. And you count far more to [God] than birds” (Mt 6:26, The Message). Perhaps my staring out the window wasn’t so vacant but, rather, mindful? May we grow more mindful; ever conscious of God’s goodness, alert to opportunities to provide, attentive to the ways our own lives can say “Isn’t God great! Look at all He has done.”
God Bless,
Sean
[1] Apparently the Fiscal Shrike, nicknamed Jacky Hangman, was named in honour of the Dutch Magistrate (Fiskal) who collected taxes and was responsible for public order, including hangings. (Simpson, Andy. Why Would Anyone Want to Swing a Cat?: … and 499 Other Questions. Constable, 2013.)