Ps 63:8. In the shadow of your wings I shout for joy…
Ps 55:7. If only I had wings like a dove, that I might fly away and find rest…
I love how the Lord takes me from the Word I’m reflecting on and leads me on a journey to poetry, memories, songs, other Scripture and beyond! It brings me refreshment, encouragement and hope in the promise of Heaven as the theme unfolds and draws me deeper into the truth of God’s love.
Today I began with Ps 63:8, and the verse that was highlighted for me: “in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy…” I’ve read how the shadow of your wings can be understood as the foot of the Cross, a place where I find blessing and peace as I kneel there in my mind in gratitude for Jesus’ gift of salvation. Ps 55:6 comes to mind: “If only I had wings like a dove, that I might fly away and find rest…” The focus begins to turn to wings, to birds, to flying away to safety and eternity.
A poem by James Dillett Freeman has been a blessing for me for many years. I came upon it at a time of sorrow and grief, as we had just learned that my oldest brother Ted had terminal brain cancer. I was sitting looking out the window on a cold wintry day, seeing the branches being shaken by a blustery wind against a grey sky. The words of the poem began to filter into my mind, bringing the first rays of hope…
“The boughs hang bare when the winter winds blow,
but the little birds sing in spite of snow.
I like to believe that I, a man,
Can do as well as a little bird can.
But you have to have faith in the rightness of things
to fling yourself out on feathers and wings,
and sing when there seems to be nothing there
but icy winds and empty air.
Little bird, fly up to the top of the tree of my mind
and sing your song in me…”
Remembering the lines of this poem was like a ray of sunshine entering my heart. It lifted my spirits, and gave me hope that indeed God had not abandoned us, that He was with us and would help us on this journey.
Another poem appeared on a note card sent by a friend to encourage me in this time of trial. On the cover of the card was a picture of a little bird in a blossoming tree ~ not a bare icy branch! The words inside the card were the first stanza of a poem by Emily Dickinson…
“Hope is a thing with feathers
that perches in the soul
and sings the tune without the words
and never stops at all…
Bp Robert Morneau of Green Bay, WI is well known for his love of poetry, which he often includes in his reflections and homilies. He loves Emily Dickinson, and when quoting this poem he reflected that the little bird was the Holy Spirit, which lives within us even as this little bird perching in our soul, and brings us Hope. Another ray of sunshine, again assuring me of God’s intimate knowledge of our family’s struggle: that He knows, and will be with us.
With these two poems floating through my mind, the words of the song “I’ll fly away” was a natural next progression on the journey. Where will this emerging hope lead me? Faith assures me the goal is Heaven, Eternity with the Trinity! Perhaps these are the words the little bird is singing…
“Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh glory
I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die, Hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away
Oh, how glad and happy when we meet
I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away, oh glory
I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die, Hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away”
Another thought about flying comes to mind now, this one from another friend’s card of encouragement. The quote went something like this: “When you come to the edge of a cliff and you fall off, one of two things will happen. Either you will be caught by the Hand of God, or He will give you wings that you may fly!” I love how the messages that were sent, inspired by the Goodness of God, all tied together! The single rays of sunshine were exploding into a beautiful burst of Glory, dispelling the heaviness I had been experiencing and replacing it with confidence and sure hope in God’s help through the following days, no matter what they brought.
My brother’s last year battling cancer held days of incredible blessing as he approached his death. Our family united in love and concern, and faith was nourished by all as we witnessed Ted’s attitude of gratitude for life and his assurance of heaven. My hope, which had begun with hope for a miraculous cure, was redirected to the hope of heaven and eternity, strengthened by seeing God’s Hand in every aspect of Ted’s final days.
As I close this time of reflection to return to the day’s demands, my heart is filled with joy, and the words of “I’ll fly away” are echoing in my ears, a good way indeed to continue on the journey
Lord God, thank you for the gift of memory, and all the words and experiences you’ve loved into my life to continue to sustain me through each day. You’ve stocked my spiritual pantry abundantly, gathered through years of time with You. May I be evermore grateful for Your Goodness, and share the fruits of the harvest that many may be blessed and encouraged on the pilgrim journey…
Spiritual Sun Pennies 