Sheltered

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:1-4 ESV). When we moved to Weatherford, Texas nearly 27 years ago, I decided that we needed to have a feeder for the back yard. I have had one at nearly every home since then. We have one now in our front yard. Over the years we have seen deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, foxes and many different varieties of birds visit the feeder. In fact, just this week I looked out the window and a large crow and several doves were chasing one another for room at the trough! Most of the time, I simply enjoy their amusing antics, but every so often, they have a lesson to teach to me. Today is one of those days. In our reading today, the Psalmist declares, He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. The types of birds who frequent our feeders do not vary much from year to year. However, not long ago, several Canadian geese decided to fly down to the spot. We are fairly close to water where there is a large year round flock of the geese. However, they have never come into my feeder before. These geese were obviously off course. Perhaps the cold weather had somehow disoriented them. Or perhaps it was just the fact that there was an easy meal waiting for them here. That image reminded me that we encounter times when we need a safe and easy place to rest and eat in our spiritual and emotional lives. How good it is to know that God also provides a safe haven for us! You may be walking through such a time now. The following prayer may be a guide for you to the safety of God’s presence. May the Holy Spirit, the light of your soul, guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in the bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected. May the Holy Spirit in your soul calm, console, and renew you. 1 1. Anam Cara, p. 160-161; by John O’Donohue