Just what I needed

It has been awhile since I've posted anything....the reasons are numerous and valid.  I have gone through a period of losing ones I love, officiating at multiple funerals for church and community members, and most recently have been packing boxes so we could move my husband to the community where I serve the United Methodist Church.  After two years apart (he stayed in our home town to continue working until retirement) it is good to be in the same house again.  I have to tell you all of this happening at the same time has been very taxing on me physically and emotionally.  I was even starting to grow spiritually weary.  I was in need of some refreshing and recently received that in a most unexpected way, but I have also learned that is usually how my refreshing comes - when I least expect it.  Wednesday morning of last week I was standing at my kitchen sink which faces North.  There is a window above the sink where I can look out to see the wooded area behind my home.  As I was washing dishes and praying; I was asking God to give me the strength I needed for the funeral that I would officiate the next day (this was my fifth funeral in about six weeks).  I had finished the dishes but lingered at the window taking note of the wind rustling the leaves on the tree and the grass in the yard, and noticing the lilacs at the edge of the yard.  I was just about to turn away and go about the rest of the business of the day when a male cardinal flew from a tree at the back of the yard directly at the kitchen window.  It was in that moment, when God sent me the beautiful gift through a bright red bird, that I was refreshed.  You see I love cardinals - I love their call and especially seeing them.  I had been hearing them call back and forth to one another in the wooded area behind my house for weeks, but hadn't seen one yet and kept hoping for a glimpse of the bright red feathers of a male or even the paler feathers of the female, with their orange top knot.  At just the moment I needed it, God sent me a beautiful reminder that He is in control and that through him everything is possible.   God knew just what I needed and gave it to me at just the right time.  Thank you God!  Praise your holy name!