Of Sparrows and Synchronicity

I just love the synchronicity of life, the unseen web that weaves us all together.  It leaves me in awe when my very thoughts and inward questions are answered in surprising and amazing ways.

For the past two blustery and freezing days I've refilled the bird feeder that hangs on my front balcony several times.  I've watched with amusement, from the warmth of my kitchen, as dozens of sparrows flit back and forth from shrub to feeder over and over again.  Food for birds is scare in January in Canada.

I was moved by their community dining, the way they braved the plunging temperatures and fierce winds, huddling together, taking turns at the feeder and hopping on the snow covered balcony floor looking for seeds that had fallen.

Yesterday I tried taking some photos of the sparrows (an exercise in futility) and then of the patterns their feet had made in the snow (equally unsuccessful).  I had really wanted to write a post about them, but wasn't sure what.  All I knew was that I had spent a lot of time watching them, appreciating them.

Earlier today I received an e-mail from a real estate agent I'd connected with over a year ago from Prince Edward County, Ontario.  We chatted back and forth a bit, I updated her on why I was no longer looking to relocate at this time (divorced, doing work I love now...) and I mentioned my blog which would give her an idea of what had been going on.  She wrote back saying that the last blog entry reminded her of a hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow".  "That's weird", I thought, "sparrow?".  I wasn't familiar with the hymn so I listened to it on my phone as I watched the sparrows from the window; tears welled up as the words assured of how we are known, protected and provided for.  If you're not familiar with the reference, there is a line in the Bible that goes something like this, Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet God feeds them...Fear not therefore you are of more value than many sparrows.

We can all relate to the "winter seasons" of our lives, when the winds blow and we fear that what we need may be scarce.  How reassuring it is to be reminded that we are all connected and that what we require will be provided, sometimes in the most unusual and surprising ways!

Photo courtesy of Garden Safari

Thank you for stopping in at My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

May you experience the joy of synchronicity,
Sandra

Thank You .....

Welcome to another new year at My Turquoise Kettle Life.  For those of you who know me or follow me, you know that 2015 was a game changer year, a difficult but wonderful year full of challenges and victories.

I cannot help but to be overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the love of God and of those near and dear to me that carried me when I wasn't able to walk (both physically and emotionally).  When I was at my most broken trying to come to terms with a toxic relationship and a serious health crisis I was carried along by love that appeared in the form of family and friends encouraging me, caring for me, who sat beside me at the hospital holding my hand even while I slept, who got the medical team's attention when I was slipping away, who fed me, showed up at my door with tulips, who called and held up images of hope and a future that was bright and shiny.  Of course the amazing team of health care professionals at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital who diagnosed and healed me will always have a special place in my heart.

How do you see this past year?  Can you too create a gratitude list?  Can you point out some silver linings in those dark clouds that threatened to block out the light?

One practice that got me through the most frightening times (mostly scary medical tests) was to repeat to myself, "the perfection of the Universe is held in this moment".   I'm not sure where that phrase came from but it held me tethered to the present moment instead of allowing  my anxious mind to float away like a helium balloon on a windy day.   Its a practice I continue now with morning meditation.

Oh, I also adopted an abandoned little dog named Jessy.  Just look at her. Jessy already has this staying in the present moment thing all figured out:

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Enjoy today,
Sandra