Snap shots

On my way to work each morning I come to a four-way intersection near my home. Nothing unusual, just a very busy four way intersection in a large city. But on this intersection the birds gather each morning. Not on all the corners just the northwest corner for reasons that escape human understanding. It is the birds coffee shop where they gather to begin a new day. They are full of chatter and song so much so it can be heard over the noise of the traffic. Each evening when I return home they are gathered at the same corner to recap the day in chatter and song. What is a day in a bird's life? Who knows, but one thing is certain - in the morning and the evening they gather to share community and song. The silent voice of God speaks to me in this ritual.

On the highway I pass a sign with a cow on it saying; "When tha sun comz up, think chikin". It makes me laugh every time. In the sheer violence of life, it is grace and a gift of God to laugh.

A few weeks back we had the joy of having both our daughters, son-in-laws and grandson at our dinner table. I sat at the table and looked at each one of them with utter joy. In that moment I could not have been any happier or more at peace. Jobs, money, titles or anything else cannot supersede the joy of loved ones sharing life together. Complete joy in the company of others.

I am now mostly working six days a week. This past week was very long and Friday proved to be difficult for both my wife and I. Saturday came and it was back to work and we both would have to sort out the struggles of the previous day. One thing would change the day's perspective; our grandson would be spending the afternoon with us. He is the most engaging little boy and he brings us delight every time we are with him. In his innocence he has no idea what a long week is or what makes for a difficult day. He just loves being with us, playing trains, watching videos, and sharing snacks and meals. Our grandson is very dedicated to everyone siting down at meals and enjoying the dinning experience. He likes community.

All of the snap shots of life as I experience it, reflect on the biblical truth of  "God redeeming the time." The scriptures do not imply more time but that God will simply redeem the time. By God's grace we get glimpses of redeemed time every day if we are looking, watching and are cultivating the discipline of listening.  Jesus reminded the disciples; "Look at the birds they neither toil nor worry and God provides for them. How much more worth are you than the birds?" The birds gather at the intersection near me to reflect God's truth and glory. They demonstrate utter trust in whatever the day will bring and for the birds, the morning is a good time for some company and song.

After a long week at work, just a few hours with our grandson and all the toil and angst of the week is redeemed. God doesn't simply redeem the time at the end of our lives, God is active redeeming the time daily, breaking into our finite space filling it with infinite joy. All the traffic and chaos is still there; all the noise and distraction of the world is still there; but it is drowned out by the song of the birds and company of loved ones and ever so quietly God redeems the time right in front of our very eyes.