But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
[I wrote a longer post but took it down because I realize at some point people other than me will find this and well, it was just too much. If you know me and would like to read the longer version, you can contact me and I will send it to you.]
It was a wonderful day, suffice to say. One of the most wonderful days. My version of heaven will be much bigger now. And it’s even sweeter because I really like the people who blessed us today. Not only do I love them, I also like them.
It’s the next day. Collecting fruits and seeds this morning. A house sparrow perched on the roof and sang as I gathered. A far off bird of unknown type sang a beautiful song I’ve not heard before.
When I was young, alone, terrified, in the midst of wolves, I began taking long walks in Forest Park overlooking the once-beautiful city of Portland. I wouldn’t wear earphones because I was afraid of being attacked and needed to be aware of surroundings. The news told me to do so (back when we believed something called the news). Women were being attacked in parks with their earphones on. This wasn’t paranoia. This was reality in Portland, even back in those days.
But instead of all the bad things that could have happened, so many good things happened instead. As I walked in the cool forest, many – and I mean many – birds surrounded me singing their divine hymns I had never heard before. No matter the weather nor the time, there were so many beautiful bird calls coming from the high conifers so emblematic of the Pacific Northwest. They never ceased their songs.
Fear left, day by day, as I walked without music, without distractions. I knew the Lord was with me and I gathered the strength I needed to move through the traps set by the enemy and the wolves who nipped at my heels.
A beautiful hymn I have never heard before, on repeat. I am so grateful.