CAW CAW Bird (Lisa)

I have a question in my heart that I am trying to work out. It is painful and has no easy answer. It is the sort of thing that needs prayer. I need prayer. So, I take Jesus on a walk with me and I begin to silently look and listen. It is still cold and dreary, still a bit void of color this time of year. I dig my hands in pockets deep and patiently wait for Him to come. Life is feeling a bit colorless after losing my precious Claire, but wait! I spot two red winged blackbirds in the marsh. Jesus takes me to Claire who takes me to a sweet memory.

I used to call them the Caw Caw birds. I’d say, Listen, listen Claire! and the birds would oblige us with their song, Who-who-CAWW…. Who-who-CAWW…. always in succession, like an echo. Today I hear them with new ears, sounds like Jesus and I talking to each other. I say something to him and he hands it back to me in similar words, so that I hear my plea so differently. Jesus echoing back my words, answering my prayer.

This day it sounds like…

Lord I need you….. You need me Lisa.

Lord, I am so broken….. You feel so broken.

But I know I can heal in Your arms….. You CAN heal in My arms!

I am falling Lord….. Fall into Me.

I long to surrender Lord….. Surrender.

Amen

My grandson recently discovered the joy of echos. He likes to squeal loudly outdoors and test the air, hoping for one. It is a joyful puzzle to him. He belts out a high pitch yelp and listens as it comes back to him but from where? With a wondrous smile he asks, What is that Omi? Knowing his recent fascination and soft grasp of shadows, I tell him, That’s your echo! It’s like a shadow for your voice!

Jesus’ answers to our prayers can be like that. His words follow us around faithfully like a shadow but can sometimes feel elusive like an echo. You have to dig hands deep in pockets and listen hard. Shout it out and test the air. Be patient. Listen for the echo of your prayer. I am learning.