If you could select any location to visit today, would it be the endodontist’s office? It certainly wouldn’t be mine, but there I was a few weeks ago. I’d prayed for peace because complications with a back tooth’s root canal made the prior visit less than pleasant.
Although I sensed God’s presence and knew I could trust Him, anxiety perched on my shoulder and accompanied me into the room. I reluctantly settled into the reclining leather chair which faced a huge window with a view of a grassy courtyard.
I took deep breaths and once again asked God to calm me and help the endodontist do well. (I reasoned if she did well, I’d do well.) After the x-rays and numbing shots, I waited alone while the staff cared for patients in adjoining rooms.
More prayer. More deep breaths.
Then I gazed out the picture window because God’s creation usually calms me. I concentrated on the clouds, the trees, and a huge bird feeder suspended from a pole.
My mother was always so brave. She trusted You. Why can’t I simply trust you, God? You are worthy of my trust, and I know You’re with me.
As I prayed, a black-capped chickadee landed on the bird feeder. I watched him through teary eyes and thanked God for the pretty bird—my mother’s favorite species.
A little tufted titmouse soon joined the chickadee. I remembered my dad teaching me how to identify them. God’s providing entertainment while I wait. He knows I’m a fan of nature.
Next, a red cardinal added color to the scene, and then a sweet little brown and white sparrow flitted in to join the party. Oh, heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that You care for the little sparrow—this very one—and you care for me.
As if the visits of these feathered friends weren’t enough, guess which species showed up next. Doves. A pair of doves. They gleaned the seeds that fell on the ground from the activity at the feeder. Father God, how generous You are to send me this symbol of Your peace, a peace that passes all understanding.
I thought about a familiar passage with a command and a promise:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
When I released the anxiety, God’s peace filled my soul. No more deep breaths and clenched teeth.
His peace surrounded me as I noticed a new party attendee. A squirrel joined the doves for a seed fest under the feeder.
All was well until a party crasher disturbed the peace. A huge orange cat darted into the outdoor dining room and caused quite a ruckus while seeds scattered and birds flew. The squirrel raced up a nearby tree. The bird feeder slowly stopped swaying.
By the time the endodontist re-entered the room, the courtyard was as still as it had been when I entered the room. I felt like the outdoor entertainment with its symbolism was for me alone–at the exact time I needed it.
How often do I miss God’s provision? How often do I ignore His gifts on the table He prepares before me (Psalm 23:5) because I’m too focused on the problem I’m facing or the fear of something unseen?
What I notice easily are signs of spring. Bright green leaf buds on a tree that’s looked dead all winter. The yellow flowers on my forsythia bush. Tiny wildflower blossoms in still-brown grass. More hours of sunlight.
What if we noticed the signs of God’s care like we notice early signs of spring? He will surely help us if we make that request. He can open our physical and spiritual eyes.
What if we noticed the signs of God’s care like we notice early signs of spring? Click To Tweet
As we notice signs of spring, let’s ask God to show us what He wants us to see. We can watch for signs that He cares for us and for others. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us toward those who need our help. And most importantly, we can look through the picture window of His Word and ask Him to teach us, to open our eyes so we can see what He wants us to learn.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV
God speaks through His Word. He offers signs of His care, convicts us of sin, gives us wisdom, and provides guidance.
As the earth warms and displays signs of growth, let’s notice signs of God’s love and care and learn lessons from Him as new as baby birds and crocus blossoms.
As the earth warms and displays signs of growth, let’s notice signs of God’s love and care and learn lessons from Him as new as baby birds and crocus blossoms. Click To Tweet
Let me hear from you:
What signs of God’s care and goodness have you noticed lately?
By the way, the endodontist did a great job! 😉
Jeannie, I love your phrase, “the picture window of God’s Word,” because that is what it is. I am so thankful for those gifts He gives us, even when we may think they are small, but they are never insignificant. Your nature show was surely His way of reminding you of His peace. And I am so glad your visit worked out positively!
Barbara, I’m glad you pointed out that God’s gifts are never insignificant. In His sovereignty, He designs with purpose–that our lives will glorify Him and benefit others. I’m grateful as I know you are.
I love how we can find peace in God’s creations. I love watching the birds. My parents taught me to enjoy the blessings God gives us in nature. 🙂
Melissa, I’m glad we both had nature-loving parents, aren’t you? God’s creation is not only beautiful, but it testifies of His majesty. Thanks so much for taking the time to read.
It’s amazing what we can see when we open our eyes!
I agree, Kimberly. When we’re willing, God teaches us so much from creation and from His Word. I appreciate you stopping by.
I envisioned everything as I read your written words and peace from worries came to me too. Thank you for your blessing today.
Luv and prayers.
Lynn, your comments are always a blessing to me. Thank you so much. God blesses us in numerous ways, doesn’t He?
Oh my; you transformed me into that room and into that courtyard with your words Ms. Jeannie. As you know, I too revel in the beauty and peace of God’s created natural world my friend. It’s so easy to get lost in those moments when we can literally feel God visiting us. I pray your “dental adventures” are over for a while at least, but hope you see and enjoy many more signs of spring in the coming weeks sweet lady. God’s blessings; and thank you so much for giving us a little slice of heaven through your words.
I appreciate your kind words, J. D. God blesses us in astounding ways, doesn’t He? I pray I’m always looking for His surprises. Yes, I know you appreciate God’s creation as I do. He’s so kind to give us a beautiful world and then use it to speak to us and calm us.
I felt the peace of our Father settle over me as I read your description of life outside the window and our Creator’s gift of beauty. I believe He sends us just what we need when we are anxious and stressed. The birds brought back lovely memories of your parents and the characters in your story did their part to distract you from your fears and bring peace. Your message brought joy and peace to me. Thank you!
Oh, Katherine, I’m thankful the experience God provided for me brought joy and peace to you. I don’t want to miss any of His blessings, but I know sometimes I do when I fret about circumstances. I hope we’ll all remember to watch for His provision and His love.
Why a lovely story. God provided you with quite a bird show. When our heart’s in the right place, as yours certainly was during this visit to the endodontist (I shudder at the word), it’s easier to notice signs of God’s care. We usually find what we’re looking for!
I shuddered, too, Candyce, when my dentist told me I’d need the next appointment. I pray I will seek God whether I’m afraid or not so that I won’t miss His blessings. You’re right that I saw quite a bird show. I was amazed that the chickadee was first, and the list included a pair of doves. How precious are His gifts. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Lovely Jeannie. I so know that feeling in the dental chair!! Your reminder of God’s sweetness to meet your need refreshed a heavy heart today. Thank you.
I’m sorry you had a heavy heart today, Sylvia, but I’m glad the story God gave me brought refreshment, and I appreciate you sharing that. I want to notice all of the blessings He sends my way.
How wonderful that God provided such a lovely view of all those birds to help calm you and give you peace that day! You are so right that getting out and noticing God’s world from the tiniest creatures and plants to the biggest mountains can remind us of God’s care and give us peace. I’m glad you had such a great picture window that day!
Thanks, Kathy. My view that day was indeed a blessing. God cares for us in such marvelous ways.
What a wonderful account of His care for you!
Thanks, Nancy. I’m grateful.
Jeannie, oh, how I relate to this post! I wonder if dentists have some kind of manual that tells them to have big windows with nature dioramas. But I digress. I love your story because I, too, am one who white knuckles it through dental work. Nevertheless, God has lessons for us in uncomfortable places. “Let’s ask God to show us what He wants us to see.” Great advice!
Annie, I love the statement you made, “God has lessons for us in uncomfortable places.” With lovingkindness, He continues to teach us in many ways, doesn’t He? My dentist is wonderful and never makes me uncomfortable, but trips to the endodontist were more challenging for me. I hope to remember the blessings God sent this time during my next challenge. Thanks so much for commenting, Annie.
Jeannie, what a beautiful and very encouraging post. Your posed question, “What if we noticed the signs of God’s care like we notice early signs of spring?” challenges me, personally, to take notice of the provisions God makes for me everyday. Thank you for sharing your heart and your experience of your picture window view.
Dawn, I’m thankful you found the post encouraging. When I noticed God’s blessings that day, I was eager to share His encouragement with each of you. Like you, I’m challenged to look for His blessings daily, especially when difficulties arise. He’s our refuge and strength even when we forget to notice, but I want to praise Him with a grateful heart. I appreciate you reading faithfully.
I love how God entertained you and brought back sweet memories of your parents too. Beautiful encouragement for us all.
Debbie, I’m glad you found the post encouraging. God reminded me of His presence and showed me in specific ways that He heard my prayer. I want to be more aware of and grateful for the ways He blesses me. Thank you for adding a comment.