I was having a rather stressful day....complaining and overwhelmed with health and financial issues - and going through momentous transitional changes in our lives.  After the recent death of our very young nephew, my heart was tearing up while running in to the bank to deposit what little pocket change I could to cover the bills.  My arms and legs were aching from the connective tissue "mystery" disease they tell me I have.  I had left my hubby at home as he was battling a dark cloud of depression.  "God, when do I not have to be strong?"  I asked while about to spring my own leak in the midst of what should have been a mundane errand.  

My car came to a stop in the one available parking place - farthest from the bank's entrance.  I pulled the key from the ignition only to find that the metal part of the key had separated from the plastic handle.  (Note to self...."gotta get that fixed).  I leaned down to pick the broken piece off the floor and literally re-bound it with the rubber band that had held it, and while wiping a new tear away, got out of the car.  The air was biting cold and slightly icy rain relentlessly hit me in the face.  It only seemed to mock the sadness and despair I was feeling.  

"I have to come up with something to make for dinner...but what kind of soup could I make with the left-overs from yesterday and a chicken breast in the freezer?  Maybe I should stop by the store?  No.....I'll stretch it another day,"  I resolved.

I walked into the bank and took a place in line.  My mind went wandering back home where my 30 year old daughter sat on the couch with a broken leg.  She had also been dealing with chronic and undiagnosed pain in her side and stomach for almost two years.  "Lord, if You would just heal her?  And while You're at it, could You bring my hubby a new job?"  And, "God, I know You are aware of our circumstances...please help us soon." The whole scene sounds rather pitiful, I know.  (I have a feeling that even God understands the days when our humanity just needs to feel sorry for itself.)

All those problems?  They still have yet to be resolved - but here's what happened on that day - after my meltdown at the bank.  I made my deposit (both with money and with my cries to my Father in heaven) and walked outside, still sniffing and hoping no one had noticed my water-works.  I looked up at a shrub by the door just in time to see a tiny bird that had landed only inches from my face.  It sat and belted out a song that was twice the volume of its size!  I was fascinated that it didn't seem to be afraid of me - I was close enough to reach out and touch it!  Suddenly a realization hit me like a burst of light:  "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?  And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"   Matthew 6:26-27

And there I stood, face to face with that bright little bird - in the rain - who, regardless of the circumstances, was heartily sharing a brilliant melody...so small...so unconcerned...so joyful...so full of a song!