Pigeons and Trees February 15, 2008
Posted by hrosy in : Reflections , trackbackToday Brian allowed me the pleasure of getting away for a few minutes to ride my bike, one of the things I like to do for relaxation and for exercise. Once I started riding away from home I noticed how cold it was (it was shortly after 9 am when I left).
I realized that I couldn’t handle the cold air for very long, so I decided to turn around at the GCC training site. When I pulled into the driveway, I immediately noticed several pigeons that were scattered across the grounds, but flew up into the trees for protection. As I continued to ride up the driveway and in the parking lot, it seemed that the pigeons- doves, really, the light brown colored ones- were looking down on me. I had a strong sense they were telling me that the Spirit of Peace had come upon our church. Though it be the season of Lent and introspective reflection, though we as a body have gone through a dark day (years…), God’s symbol to us of peace- the dove- came to remind of us of Christ’s peace.
I left with a great feeling of hope as I turned homeward. As I usually do when I am outdoors, I continued studying the trees, foliage, and looking for any signs of life in the swamps and woods around me. I was suddenly struck with the beauty of the diversity in trees and nature. This area has huge Spanish oak trees, palm trees, pine trees and palmettos all living next to each other and lining our streets.
I began to think, has Coastal Georgia been a part of the south for so long that it has forgotten what diversity is? Then I realized truth. Oh no, it is not Coastal Georgia who has rejected diversity, but those of us who call this part of the south home. Have we gotten so used to our own personal routines and habits that we don’t notice others around us? Have we protected ourselves with busyness such that we do not let the different into our lives? Have we accepted others of a different race, or the poor, dejected, lonely?
I must admit I have gotten lost in routine and meeting my own family’s needs. I have used my power of self preservation to keep the lonely and downcast in isolation.
Open my eyes, oh God to see your children. Make me an agent of your peace and love.
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