My children are an interesting bunch, and occasionally come up with the phrase “____ is my spirit animal”. Often the blank is filled in by the sloth, however I’m going to hope that’s because the sweet creature moves with careful intent, rather than lack of speed and direction, but I digress.
During Spiritual direction, a new little creature became my source for inspiration.
I am busier now than ever. I am a newly single parent, and need to work outside the home a little, as well as teach my children, but honestly, I think we’re all in the same boat. As our children grow, but the available drivers remain the same, so the mileage of our vehicles increases and our need for inner peace becomes more urgent. I needed to learn to pace myself more intentionally than I ever had to before, and to truly lean on our Lord more.
Ms. Betsy, my spiritual director, had me consider a recent moment with a hummingbird on my back deck.
I had been having coffee with Jesus, and suddenly out of nowhere, a hummingbird flew up and just hovered right in front of me, and then flew away to its next spot. At that time, I was a frantic mess. I may have looked like I had it all together, but oh my, my soul felt like it had been spun like a spinning top and let loose to wildly spin out of control. I was certainly trying to spin too many dishes at the same time, and I’d never been particularly co-ordinated.
During Direction we considered how a hummingbird behaves.
It was certainly no accident that God gave me this little one’s example. The hummingbird will hover, and then move with intent to its next spot. It’s rarely just flying around in wild abandon, it has a purpose. As do we! We are always to be who God wants us to be, and so, I was challenged. I can not just stop being busy, but I can stop during my tasks and ask God “Who do you want me to be?” “How can I serve you and others in this moment?”
It has helped me to gently move through my day, constantly reminding myself to be who God wants me to be, and He will give the grace for that moment. So, I now challenge you to flit with intent. Let the Lord guide your day.
