Reminders come in all shapes and sizes

February 24, 2025 this caught me eye

This "stuck branch" caught my attention as soon as we moved in.

Since then, we've had a hurricane, a handful of rain and wind events, a tropical depression/cyclone, tornadic activity in surrounding areas, and a winter snow event.

Some pretty decent winds accompanied many of these weather "events."

This "stuck branch" has stayed stuck in the exact same place, in the exact same shape.

It hasn't budged.

Ever since I was little, I believed the world speaks to us if we truly listen and pay attention.

You don't notice things if you're not paying attention.

You can't walk through doors you refuse to open.

Simple facts.

I've always felt connected to things of a "celestial aesthetic" nature. I've always had an awareness of spirit; my own, and that which is emitting around me.

I grew up surrounded by influences of open-minded, spiritually mature people, and was always drawn to seekers, trendsetters, philosophers, and spiritual inquisitors. I guess you could say I always knew "about God," to a degree. I spent many years questioning, experiencing doubts, even feeling apathy and disgust at times.

But deep down, at my core, I always knew something existed, that HE existed.

The events of the past 4 years that threw me into uncomfortable places were, in hindsight, a gift.

They gave me the opportunity to turn in a new direction. It is because of the depth of darkness that I can now say I "know Him."

I've learned to pay attention. To my thoughts. To my actions. To my "why," and to make sure it is one of virtue.

And especially to stay alert for the still, small voice. The one that has my back and my best interests in mind. The one who wants to lead me the right way, His way, though it is a narrow path, and often not an easy one.

I keep my eyes and ears as tuned in as I can.

Oh, I fail.

I fail a LOT.

But failing just makes me try harder.

When I look up at this stubbornly stuck branch, it reminds me of the strong love that came for me. It makes me smile knowing He is here, literally with me, watching over me, always.

No storm or wind will change that fact.

Not Ever.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

(James 1:17 ESV)