There’s one thing I know for sure: moments of grace appear in my life exactly when I need them. Some are completely unexpected and rather spectacular (my husband), while others slip in gently, as if content to go unnoticed.
A recurring phenomenon is the appearance of feathers in my world. It’s become quite an anomaly, really; feathers appear at times when I need a gentle reminder that I am a child of God, that the universe has my back. That I am loved.
My daughter began her freshman year in college just two weeks ago. On the second day after dropping her off (and coming home without her), I found myself in deep mourning for the dramatic change taking place in my life. It was an emotion that caught me by by surprise—and after inexhaustible tears, I offered a deep and soulful prayer for help making my way out of the deep emptiness I felt. I awoke the next morning to find this scene just out my kitchen window, in the pond behind our house.
What on earth is that, I thought, taking another sip of my coffee. I threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera, and headed across our damp yard to investigate. Is that… Surely it’s not… Can it be…
It took a moment to catch my breath. One feather, and then another, and then another, in every direction, as far as I could see.
The tears began to flow again. But they were different—these tears were filled with relief and joy and promise. And so I offered one more deep and soulful prayer.
This time, it was a prayer of gratitude.
Ever since the first time you told me about the feathers, I have been looking at my life more closely. Noticing the moments when I need grace and noticing how God chooses to send it my way. Thanks to you.
🙂
Cathy,
Whoo hooo..I am so happy to read your beautiful words. You have been inspiring me for 15 years, or so. To think I can get a daily dose of you. Sweet.
xo
Amey
Oh, Ames! I miss you! xoxoxoxoxoxo!
And often times, YOU are the grace that appears in other people’s lives, as I’ve experienced for the past 30+ years 🙂
I have to agree with Leslie on this one. You certainly shared some grace in my life the past few weeks.
or the past thousand+, if you are my soul traveler!