Sandhill Cranes and Sun

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but through everything, through prayer and supplication, present your requests to the Lord.

These are the verses running through my head on this beautiful, glorious, sunny day. Lately I have been bogged down, I think. I've been bogged down by the stresses of school and the busy schedule that comes with it. I've been thinking so much about the future, about what I want to do in my life, about what I will be doing after graduation in the next couple months and sometimes (okay a lot of times) I forget to enjoy the present blessings which surround me. I get lost in my own thoughts, and I feel depressed, weighed down, and I feel like I just push to get through. In these times sometimes I wonder where God is; I wonder when my waiting will be over and when He will bring me out into a broad place? When will I understand? When will I receive the answers to the questions I am asking about myself? I don't know, but I am waiting. I am trying to present my requests to the Lord, and wait for His answer. I'll admit I am often impatient, and get frustrated with Him.

Today it is lovely outside. Everyone is running outside and my housemates are grilling, listening to music, and playing games. I remember that this day is good, even though a sadness still lingers deep within me. I remember that conversations with Rachel on the secret rooftop spot are sweet. That the sun on my face alone feels healing. Sitting on the roof with Rachel I saw a large V-shaped flock of birds flying in the distance. At first I didn't pay too much attention, thinking they were geese, but they flew closer and I saw the long legs trailing behind them. I got so excited I scampered off the roof and grabbed my binoculars, to get a better look. Sandhill Cranes, back for the spring after a long journey, the first day I had seen them this year! They were so beautiful, just flying through the sun. What majestic birds.

With the return of these birds comes hope, and that brings some relief for the heaviness within me. Though I still have doubts and questions, I find the strength to have patience and to wait for the Lord. I remember to rejoice in this moment God has blessed me with, in the simple gift of cranes flying over our rooftop.