Friend Cardinal

  If you listen to others, there are signs all about us that heighten our spiritual awareness.  These things can be found in everything from a falling feather to an animal that comes to visit unexpectedly.  I am good with that.   There are signs that we should notice and heed.  Then, there are those that we should ignore.  I pick and choose which I want to bring meaning to the day.

  This morning while out working the vegetable garden, a bright red cardinal came to visit.  This normally skittish bird had no qualms of being within a few feet of me while I worked.  (When it came time for me to get the camera, the bird scooted up to a low hanging hickory branch and sat "hiding" behind twigs.)  As I planted yet more peas and put in a row of lettuce, the cardinal would flit from one fence to the next.  It was watching my every move and I soon became quite accustomed to hearing the flutter of wings just above my head.

  There are those that say a visiting cardinal is carrying a message from those from our past.  In times of trouble or illness, a male cardinal symbolizes hope for renewal and well-being.  Through all of the woes, we should be persistent.  As the cardinal kept its watch over me, I pondered the thoughts of signs and meanings.  Maybe this is one I should grasp.  Renewal and well-being would be a rather nice change of events for me.  I will take it.  I will take it.