Chad called to wish me a Happy New Year. Woke me out of a sound sleep since he’s on EST and I’m on the other coast. Not a cardinal sin since it was 7 a.m. out here. I love when he calls, no matter when or why. He updated me on the work on their house, the girls then added,”Saw two Cardinals this morning.”
That triggered thoughts of this poem by John Leax. Those who attended Jud’s memorial service last January, may recall the poem printed on the inside cover of the program.
AT THE WINTER FEEDER by John Leax
His feather flame doused dull by icy cold,
the cardinal hunched
into the rough, green feeder
but ate no seed.
through binoculars I saw
festered and useless
his beak, broken
at the root
Then two: one blazing, one gray,
rode the swirling weather
into my vision
and lighted at his side.
Unhurried, as if possessing
the patience of God,
they cracked sunflowers
and fed him
beak to wounded beak
choice meats.
Each morning and afternoon
the winter long,
that odd triumvirate,
that trinity of need,
returned and ate
their sacrament
of broken seed.
On this second day of the New Year, it is my hope-full prayer that this poem encourages you to continue to be God’s Cardinals to broken ones and to be blessed and nourished by those God sends to tend you with “the sacrament of broken seed.”
Thank you for reading these posts and keeping in touch, dear Cardinals. You look good to me as you show up in blazing or gray plumage, natural reminders that we need each other to make it HOME.
Jan
This story has been viewed 28 times
3 people HEART this story
7 Comments
Hi Jan:
We miss your presence at CCH but are so happy that you can enjoy the love and attention of your California family. They are true Cardinals!
I love your heart, your words, you! Enjoy your time with your family
Love the poem … and we DO need each other to “make it HOME”! xoxo
Dear Jan – I am so happy that I found your blog. I remember so well your visit to Paducah and First Baptist Church in 1993. What a wonderful weekend that was for us. Your posts are such a blessing, as was that retreat. Kathy
Wishing you a good year, dear Jan. Much love to you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Jan,
However, the real “cardinal”sin is that it’s the male with the beautiful colors – one of God’s counter-intuitive moves! The poem reminds me of Oswald Chamber’s common theme of being “broken bread and poured out wine” for those God brings into our lives. Many are feeding off you, so stay nourished in Him.
Love, Dale
So now I’m a cardinal AND a sheep! Hehe <3