Before reading, if you haven’t already, for the background story check March 28 post, “Mea Culpa.” 

Thunderstorms engulfed our area of Illinois yesterday evening.  The weather cells affected large swaths of the Midwest, including swooping down through the southern states which suffered tornadoes and destruction.  For those affected, I send out my thoughts and prayers.

In Marshall, high winds pushed through the entire night. In the back bedroom of the house, where I am now sleeping, I heard tree trunks groan, branches snap, the wind howl, and the garage door bang.  I wondered about our little Finch of Faith, whose wreath-nest home was sheltered under the porch but teetered on precariously flimsy grounding. Only a single nail held the wreath in place, and the massive winds I heard seemed most likely to send her circular abode flying.

The finch nest is sturdily secured within the wreath but the wreath itself, not so much to the side of the house.

This morning,  despite the cheerful vibrant blue skies speckled with fluffy white clouds, the blowing continued.

On the front porch, I watched the wind  lift high and sway to and fro our bird’s home without her being in it.  But it was not completely empty.  Three eggs, not present yesterday, were now sunk deep within.

“We need to anchor it,” my mom suggested as we pondered how to help our little one protect her charges.  I suggested string, tied to an adjacent nail on the right, while my mom took to the other side with adhesive tape and tacking in place the back of the wreath itself.

Together, we carefully and quickly gave our ward the stability needed for her to remain safe on her eggs, without the worry of the entire thing being flung across the yard with yet another assailing gale.

We have done all we can to give her the safe environment needed for the protection and nurturing of her young.  Now we wait for her return, and have faith that she will be here very, very soon.

Today’s Prayer:  Dear Lord, Give me the faith I need to make it through challenging days.  When I feel overwhelmed with tragic news and hopelessness, open my eyes.  Help me see You at work in the world: at work through others, at work in daily routines, at work in home and at work through my own hands, guided by Your strength and grace.  In Your name I pray, Amen.