TALKING TO THE BIRDS

I did it just this morning!  While walking back to the house after my prayer-time, the birds were singing in our pear trees.  I stood for awhile and whistled my greetings to them.  They answered happily.

When I walk in Poland Forest, I hear the same birds day-after-day.  I call to them as I walk through their section of the woods.  Sometimes they follow me for a bit - just to get the last word in.

I've been doing this for years.  A few times, I've called to them in the heat of the day when they're resting.  If I'm persistent, I can usually get one to answer me.

Once in awhile, I think they figure out that I'm an imposter.  We'll be havng a vibrant conversation;  I can tell they're getting closer and closer to me - then suddenly they shut down. 

I love to hear their morning-song.  Then, at the end of the day, I love to hear their evening-song.

When winter comes, I miss their singing.  Occasionally, I'll hear a few hardy ones in the thicket at the end of our property.  But one of the true joys of spring is the early morning chatter that calls me from my dreams.

It rained a lot last night.  The volume of their voices seems increased this morning!  I suppose they're glad to have their houses cleaned and a fresh bath.  Those things always make me happy too!

Song of Solomon 2:12 (LB)
The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come.  Yes, spring is here.

ANOTHER SIGN OF SPRING

I take a brisk walk for forty-five minutes every day in Poland Forest (Poland, Ohio).  Yes, Poland has a forest;  it's located between Route 170 and Route 680.  It's a wooded area with several miles of trails - excellent for walking and jogging.  About ninety percent of the people I meet there are walking their dogs.  It's an amazing escape from the world of traffic and hustle!

Every spring, walkers are treated to an azure blue feast for the eyes as the fields of bluebells blossom.  This treat lasts three to four weeks and is in full array at present.  The park officials even take down the barriers to allow vehicles to slowly drive through the area to enjoy God's showcase!

If you live anywhere near Poland, find the forest and give your eyes a treat!  [Turn west off South Main Street (Rte.170) onto College Street.  Follow it to a parking area at the end.  Enter the park and bear to the left.  Follow the trail down and across the creek.  The trail makes a loop through the fields of bluebells]

SIGN OF SPRING

There's this amazing thing that happens in our church every spring! 

The architect did a study of the sun and had the church built in such a way that light features create an amazing display on the front wall of the sanctuary. 

It begins in early April and lasts into June. 

It has two highlights:

First, there is a triangular window that can only be seen from the platform.  This window casts a triangle of colored light on the front wall that gradually descends to shine on our communion table - lighting up the cross found there.

Second, a long horizontal window at the very top of the sanctuary wall casts a brilliant beam of light on that same cross.  This happens shortly after the triangular show has ended! 

It reveals how an architect's planning and creativity can add value to the worship experience.  I look forward to this display every year.  This morning it blessed me as I walked and prayed.  It will be one of the things I will miss when I leave Free Methodist Community Church!