’Tis the Season: Born to Die, day 4

…Contemplating what it means to follow Christ, born to die

Yesterday I said that I would take time to watch the birds at the feeders.  Why?  Because in my heart I know that if I live in a state of understanding that I am ‘born to die’ then I will take time to savor the small-and-not-so-small gifts of God.  

So I went into my kitchen to watch the birds.  We have five feeders, with different types of seed (remember, my husband’s career is in natural resources).  Birds are always there this time of year.    Always.  Except yesterday, when I planned on watching them.  Even the ever-present pesky squirrels were gone.

No sunshine to sit in.  No birds to watch.  Hmph.

But then it hits me — being born to die means having a deep understanding that life is not mine to control.  And being born to die means that I accept the small-and-not-so-small gifts of God as HIS gifts.  That means He gets to determine those gifts, not me.

This morning it is snowing.  There are still no birds at the feeders, but I get to enjoy watching the beautiful big flakes coming down.  This is HIS gift for today.  To me.  To you (if you live in my area).  And I will revel in this gift.

And I will remember… He gets to determine the gift.  And His gifts are always good.