First let me clarify, I don’t remember ever seeing a bluebird near our home in winter. Lots of cardinals flitter about, but bluebirds? Nada.
Last week searching for something in my bedroom, I heard tapping on the window. After a minute or two I looked over. A birdie latched onto the window screen, ho hum. But when birdie persisted, tap, tap, tap, I went over for a closer look.
A BLUEBIRD was hanging out on my window! As faithful readers know, my precious mama loved bluebirds. Sightings remind me of her.
Mr. Bluebird (view through window screen)
When Mr. Bluebird saw he had my undivided attention, he flew down to the ground. Preening one way then another, he showed off his glorious blue hues. To my great delight he flew up on a branch close to my window. Tweet, tweet, tweet! After five minutes he flew off to carry joy to someone else.
Virginia, you may ask, what does this have to do with Lent? A question that begs the question, are we open to wonder and possibility this season? Lent is like winter, dull and gray – fasting, ashes and abstinence – a bleak season of saying “no.”
Are we open to hear God tapping on the windows of our hearts? Can we drop things that press us down for a few ticks to dwell in worshipful wonder?
Lent can also be a season of saying “yes.” For the 40 days of Lent are we open to the possibility of what God can do in us? Are we willing to make (more) time for God in our lives, to open the windows of our hearts wide to encounter the hues of God’s mercy, grace and beauteous love?
“Knowing Thou needest this form, as I Thy divine inspiration, knowing Thou shapest the clay with a vision and purpose divine, so would I answer each touch of Thy hand in its loving creation, that in my conscious life Thy beauty and power may shine.” Christopher P. Cranch
grace, peace & beauteous bluebirds
Virginia
p.s. Once again Virginia will attempt a post-a-day gig during Lent – a quote, picture, spiritual thought (or two.) I realize many friends and readers come from different faith traditions, but I hope you will join me on this journey to Easter, the victory of Heaven’s Hope. Spreading a little more Hope these days = a good thing!
Roses in the Rubble 
I’ve never seen a bluebird — thank you, Virginia, for capturing him! We get our share of blue jays, but that’s a whole ‘nother bird. Nice to have a special reminder of your mama as Lent gets underway, too!
Debbie, we usually see bluebirds in spring and summer, but I’ve never seen one here in winter. They are special birds – hope you can see one some day! I also like blue jays – a more flamboyant bird! Lenten blessings ! 🐦✨🕊✨
We have a few bluebirds this year that are coming to eat our cat food. I don’t remember ever seeing this many bluebirds, if any, during winter.
That sounds amazing, Michelle! Seeing Bluebirds in winter is a real treat! Maybe they decided to stay in Virginia this year! Blessings! 🕊🤪🕊🤗🕊
Beautiful! Thanks for presenting us with the joyous side of Lent—I’m all in!!
Thanks Cin – you know how much Mama loved bluebirds! Big hugs! ✨🕊🤗🕊✨
Yes, she sure did❣️
💙✨🕊💙🕊✨💙
What a wonderful post! I was living in Virginia when my mother died. I came back home after her funeral and there was a yellow butterfly flying around in my backyard, in the winter time. I knew it had to be a message of love from her because she loved yellow butterflies. Thank you for sharing your love and joy and the goodness of God!
Bluebirds and butterflies – my mama also loved butterflies, too. What a special sighting after your mother’s funeral – and in winter, too! May the legacies of our mothers’ love live long in our hearts! Blessings & hugs of comfort! ✨🦋✨🤗🌟🦋🌟