Every single day of the past seven weeks, we’ve had visitors. At least one Kereru (or Wood Pigeon as they’re also called) has alighted on a branch out our window at about this time in the afternoon. We know this, because we’ve been home every single day of the past seven weeks, and it’s become like a tradition. While we’ve had the time to see, we just can’t miss them!
If you’ve ever encountered, or watched, a Kereru, you’ll know that there’s a certain clumsiness about them. And yet, still a gracefulness, as they take to the sky in a kerfuffle of wings. Each afternoon, the first we know of their arrival is often a shuffling and a shaking of leaves as they land in a favourite, thick leafy bush (who needs a simple branch when you can diffuse yourself tight in the centre of a bunch of leaves, right?!) The first time I heard it, I honestly thought a cat or a small child might have jumped through the leaves – it shook that much – but nope, just a Kereru!
Yesterday, at the usual time, we had two visitors! Two Kereru, side by side, landed on a thick, low branch in the towering tree at the front of our property. Usually I just enjoy watching through a window or from the deck so they feel undetected, but this time I decided to try and sneak a little closer to snap a picture. Of course, the minute I stepped out the front door, one of them took off, ironically veering towards me as it barely crested the hedge down the side of our house, and out of sight.
As I carefully crept along the shadows of our driveway in the general direction of the second Kereru, I watched it sitting patiently on a branch well above my head. I clicked a few photos off and snuck nearer when, with a rustle and a rush of air, it lifted off… to land with a clatter in the bush below, surrounded by the fiery colours of autumn. I was pretty stoked to catch a photo of it flying – and quite surprised at the colour of the feathers that it displayed! I did find it slightly amusing that when it did finally take off from our property, it went in the complete opposite direction of the other Kereru. Still social distancing, perhaps?!
So what does this have to do with soul graces? Well, taking the time to spot birds, appreciate nature and wonder at beauty is certainly grace for the soul. The ability to fly… well that thought is, too! The gracefulness of a Kereru’s wings (despite the sluggishness of its body) is a sight to behold. And I find myself wondering at how, even though we don’t necessarily get everything right – or anything right as it can seem some days – we are still offered the ability to soar. To be ourselves (even amid clumsiness), to trust in our Creator, and allow ourselves to fly. (Metaphorically, that is!)
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Today, my prayer for you, is that your strength would be renewed, and you would be able to soar on wings like an eagle – or a Kereru – as you go about your day, whatever it might hold.
Kristy x
Not sure what this is all about? Learn more about Soul Graces here.
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