Thursday, October 14, 2004

The day the songbird couldn't sing

It's a beautiful, bright summer day, but I don't feel so beautiful myself. As I tackle the tasks before me, thick clouds of nostalgia are quickly setting in. The birds are singing, but this songbird can't seem to find its tune today. I wish I'd had a warning!
Wow! No singing today? That's totally odd. I sing every day regardless of what's going on or how I feel! Something must be bothering me, but I can't pinpoint it. I feel tired, lacking energy and motivation, much like the prophet Elijah after the incident on Mt. Carmel.
Where did all my energy go overnight? Could it be the so called "mid-life crisis" already peeping in, uninvited? Could it be the stress I've been through lately? ...Too many tasks pending? Yesterday was such a busy day!
"Lord, sometimes I wish someone were here for me too"-- I said to myself. " I don't even know what I need, but you know. I could use some rest, get away from it all... if only I could go hibernate for a bit... I'm sure it'll help. Lord, please renew my strength", I sigh.
The phone rings. My wandering mind hits home quickly. I recognize the name on my caller ID feature and immediately ready myself to minister to this person as needed. Much to my surprise, a cheerful voice speaks the sweetest words I've heard for a while: "I know you're busy today, but I'm just calling to let you know I'm praying for you and I appreciate you greatly. You're so special to me. God bless you and your ministry. I'm also trying to follow your example by picking up the phone and calling, and I wanted to start with you!"
"Oh, dear, you just made my day! Thank you so much! I do need your prayers and appreciate them immensely!"
As we chat a bit, another surprise! She proceeds to recount how she's told this dear old lady at the nursing home, where she works, about me and the handmade greeting card I recently sent her with my own poetry. It turns out her patient is also a writer and wants to meet me. So my friend is trying to arrange for us to exchange pictures, and promises to make plans so we can meet.
I can hardly believe my ears! As if the gloomy clouds were simply wiped away, my heart is now jumping with joy, not because somewone would like to meet me, but because I'm amazed to see and experience the wonderful and mysterious ways in which my Lord works. For some time now I've been ministering to her in more than one ways. A little while ago the Lord met the need of my heart and ministered to me through her! What a blessing!
A simple, unexpected call from a caring friend can work wonders! Today, it came like a glass of ice cold water on a warm, summer day; like a spark that lit my motivation and helped me continue my work in spite of my self doubt and uneasiness this morning. It initiated a chain reaction, prompting me to reach out to others in my usual way and continue to minister as needed. It even caused this silenced songbird to sing its cheery tune again!
I thank God for the wonderful gift of friendship and the difference small things can make in someone's life. What a difference it made in my life today!
Lord, you are always my inspiration and my song. You've assured me that my work for others is never in vain, and that you take care of my needs too. I praise you with all my heart. Help this songbird bring glory to your name.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004