I apologize for being late with the Sunday Morning Coffee Musings. I was extremely busy with the holiday rush. One of my brother’s injured his foot and needed help getting all of his Christmas gifts for the women in the family. I did his shopping and my shopping along with completing custom orders. It was crazy crowds but overall I enjoyed shopping with someone else’s card. Here’s where the story begins.

It was two Sunday’s ago when I wasn’t feeling my best and I was dreading going to my home church. I was not in the mood for a mediocre Word. I wanted somthing that would fill my soul. I got up to put away my coffee cup and as I approached the kitchen sink I saw somthing red out of the corner of my eye. It was the fattest, brightest red cardinal I’d ever seen. Cardinals have many meanings. It’s the meaning that is relevant to me and my situtation or what I am thinking or feeling.

Some theologians see the cardinal symbolizing the Holy Spirit, combining the fire element of the Spirit’s work with the energy and life found in the Spirit. Tied with the blood of Christ, the cardinal represents the eternal life-giving nature of Jesus and His ministry. -Spiritual Signs

When I saw it, my eyes were pleased and I said, “Well hello there!” There was a moment and then it flew away. I felt energized. I felt seen. I felt heard. The energy pushed me to go on and to do my job that morning. I did it with dignity. I did it with excellence.

In the Christian context, both the blood of Jesus and cardinals are used as the symbols of vitality, and that vitality is everlasting. Scripture clearly says “By His blood, we are freed from sin to serve the living God, to glorify Him, and to enjoy Him forever.” Red cardinals represent life, hope, and restoration. -Spiritual Signs

In spite of not wanting to be there, I served the living God and it was to glorify God. I did feel hope for what I really want to do and what I am called to do. I do understand that my life is vital to the service of God. I am important. I felt weary in my well doing, in my trying to do the right thing and last week I was restored. And anytime I am feeling drained and feeling like I want to quit I know that if I just wait on the Lord, wait on a Word, wait on restoration, I will be renewed.

As we approach 2024, I still am not sure of how things will work out and when things will happen, it is not clear to me and I have to be okay with that as things unfold. My clarity needs to be in the areas I can see. My clarity is in my wisdom and knowledge. As I think about it, most of what I know now and what wisdom I do have came from things unfolding. My peace comes from knowing all things will work together for my good.

~Nikki

P.S. I will be taking the rest of the year for restoration and inward reflection.