One Day in August

August 18, 2022

My morning began with a gentle peacefulness that will carry me through this day. I write about my experience so I will never forget the special moments of this new day.

As usual, I made my first cup of coffee for the morning; I was going to go upstairs and take it to my bedroom. But, just as I walked by the kitchen door, I felt a very gentle spirit that told me to go outside on the porch, enjoy my garden in the early morning light, and have my coffee there.

I am glad I paid attention to that gentle urging because something so beautiful happened.

After I sat down, I began to say Good morning to God, as I do most days. But, I start with HIM because he carried me in his own body and brought me into this world. So I thank him for this gift of life He has given me.

In a little while, I began to greet the Holy Spirit and recognize Him as I started this day.

I saw a blur of movement in the light grey light of early morning. n a few moments, I realized it was a dove walking beside the porch, on the gravel stones of my prayer garden. I knew right away that this is historically a sign and symbol of the Holy Spirit. Typically, he comes in the form of a dove when he comes to us. I could only see his movement slowly, walking just a little bit. Then, as I strained to watch, it gently lifted itself into the air and landed on the rim of the bird bath.

All of this activity is only about 6 feet from where I was seated on a rocking chair on the porch.

The dove dipped its beak into the cool water several times, drinking gently. As it finished drinking the water, it lifted into the air with gentle sounds and flew off into the tall trees. I heard this bird singing in dove language as it flew away – such soft and gentle murmuring sounds.

After a bit of time for contemplation of what I had just experienced, I went on with my morning greetings to the Holy Trinity. I remembered how Jesus told his disciples that he had to go so that the Holy Spirit could come to be our comforter.
And I sat for some time thinking about this gift that Jesus paid for when he gave up his life for us on the cross.
I just spent some time whispering the names of family members and asking for the presence of the Holy Spirit to light each of their lives today.

As I sit here writing about the dove’s appearance a little while ago, my office window is open. Two of my black cats are seated there, watching over the activities outside. I now hear the crows’ calling as they fly over the treetops.

I hear the whooshing sounds of traffic on the two-lane highway nearby. So I’ll pay attention today to the little details of sights, sounds, and the feeling of the cool morning breeze.

I’ve been reading The Book of Jeremiah this week. Jeremiah was a prophet who recorded his conversations with God. With the turning of every page, I gain new insight into the world I am living in. As I am reading this ancient book, I feel like I am reading the morning newspaper or watching one of the talking heads on television. I understood that I live in precisely the same world Jeremiah described. Every detail of this book could be a book written today. I am fascinated by the way a historical text reveals the present.

Reading Jeremiah has taught me how much God loves us individually and how much He wants to communicate with us. Today’s visit from the dove reminded me of God’s presence.

Thus I begin the day. As the neighbor’s rooster crows a greeting for this new day, I say, “Good Morning!”

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