Daily Bread Jan. 16

Signs of Love
By Michael Norris Waddell of Bloomington, IN, USA


I waited patiently for the LORD;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the desolate pit,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the LORD. —Psalm 40:1–3 NRSV

When my brothers and I poured our dad’s ashes into Lake Superior, a white feather appeared, floating on the cloudy water. Feathers have always held significance for me. Since that day, often when I least expect it, a white feather appears. I always think of it as my dad saying “hello,” reminding me he’s still around… somewhere.

On the fifth anniversary of his passing, I noticed a single white feather sitting on top of the frozen creek. I lay down on my stomach on the icy, muddy bank to get this photo. “Hi, Dad.”

An ordinary walk in the woods turned into a mood-lifting, soul-filling, spirit-enriching experience, and with it came thoughts I wanted to share. Call these my wishes for you on the front edge of a new year.

In the coming year, allow yourself moments of stillness to see signs. They are everywhere. Regardless of your beliefs—be they in science and the natural order, a creator, or some combination thereof— you have to admit the beautiful and generous planet on which we live is awesome and points to a power greater than ourselves.

There are infinite, complex worlds below us, above us, and within. Listen to them. See them. Feel them. And look for signs that speak to you—almost inaudibly—about that for which you look. Love each other. There is too much prejudice and pain in the world. Being kind and taking care of one another is a light we have to shine in the darkness during our brief time here.

Be thankful. If we stop and think about how incredible it is that we are here at all, we’ll be grateful for each breath and moment. When you find yourself in pain or fear, remember it is temporary. The clouds move, the tide rolls, the seasons turn, and so will your situation. Learn from the darkness, too. The greatest lesson sometimes comes from choosing the wrong fork in the road.

Laugh. It heals and infects. Take care of yourself, body and mind. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should do or believe. Take wisdom and encouragement where you can, but listen to your inner voice. Make joy a priority. Love one another…yes, I say it again. Be on the lookout for signs of love. Happiness in the new year to you all. Peace. Namaste.

Prayer Phrase

May I see your light in all life.

Invitation to Spiritual Practice

Light of God

Close your eyes, and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click Click here to comment or read online.

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