This morning, and every morning lately, this mockingbird friend of mine...
...sits in the very tops of the trees singing as though his little heart is about to burst with joy.
He sings as loudly and continually as he possibly can and yet, still he finds his joy inexpressible.
After a few moments of sitting still to sing, his body simply takes flight with his soul.
He sings as he rises and He makes me long to join him!
Alas, I am earthbound, and though my soul may rise with him, I am here on earth and my eyes are on the sparrow.
Do you see my little house sparrow friend, just returning home after being out all night with friends?
He checks in with the little wife, but she is having none of it. She does not so easily forgive and he is not allowed inside.
He sits outside and calls to his neighbor in his distress.
Who knows if he finds a sympathetic ear?
I hope he has lovely neighbors, like mine.
They have beautiful gardens...
...which speak of the cooperation of man with God in the art and beauty of nature.
They share the fruits of their labors - beauty tucked in among beauty - with me, for no reason except love.
Do they know how I love to see their lilies lifting their heads to God...
...or how much I appreciate the pieces of man-made beauty they have added to God's handiwork?
I hope they do.