lifefullyinhabited

I have been drawn to the birds, cardinals for a few years now.  I have always admired their striking plumage and their cheery unique calls, but I have felt a different pull towards them.  I found myself buying Christmas decorations with cardinals the past few clearance seasons.

I even went so far as to buy at a thrift store a small cardinal figurine, something I never go for.  Was there something more behind this longing?

I bought a book about attracting cardinals to your yard, detailing the habits of the birds and their preferences.  I was a bit dismayed when I read that they like bushy plants to nest and hide in.  We had pruned all our bushy plants last fall.  How would I get to see more of them.  I hungered for a glimpse of their flashy feathers.

Someone told me that cardinals have a spiritual significance, if you’re into that kind of thing.  Like spirit animal theories, etc.

I dismissed it as hippy-dippy hooey.  I am much more practical than that, I thought.  I mean, who would believe that a small bright red bird could represent the loved ones you have lost and long for?

Then a week after my mom died, I woke up one morning, let the dog out, and was greet by that unmistakable cardinal song.

It was a bit surprising and I searched the sound out and spotted the brash male perched in the next door neighbor’s tree singing his lusty heart out.  We have never had many cardinals around this house, so I have been delighted by our newcomer.

He sits high in the trees surrounding our yard on one side or the other, morning and evening every day now.  And I have spotted a muted colored female cardinal at our birdfeeder that usually only attracts sparrows and chipmunks.

I have been encouraged by this little red bird.  His presence all of a sudden after mom died.  Is this a sign?  Is this a special blessing from God to cheer me up?

I smile every time I hear the song and see the little red feisty bird.  That seems like quite a sign and blessing to me.