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| You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 |
If I asked you what was one of the things that brought you the greatest pleasure,
on a daily basis in your life, what might be your answer?
The goodbye kiss every morning from your significant other, perhaps?
The satisfaction of preparing a meal for your family?
The home that you now enjoy, which was a fruit of many years of labor and penny pinching?
Can you name one specific thing or activity that brings you the sweetest inner pleasure and reminds you of the Father’s joy and pleasure in you?
One such activity that truly brings me inner joy, and pleasure immeasurable and surprising, is when I am watching the birds do the things that birds just…well…things that birds just DO!
One of these is watching them bathe. Now don’t get the wrong idea, not pleasure like David watching Bathsheba pleasure. Oh my! No! Can you believe I went there? Yup, I know. Issues.
But truly, the pleasure that reminds me, not of my own sinfulness, (not so easy- since it seems ever before me) but the kind that is so oblivious to external distractions and overflowing with grace that it becomes blissful, beautiful and holy. When I watch the birds roll, dip and rustle themselves so blatantly unaware of my presence and pleasure, yet so completely present in their own precious moment, it brings me delirious inner joy and amazing delight!
It has often brought to my mind the possibility of God’s pleasure
in me as I go about my day.
All because of Jesus.
I have watched from my kitchen window and from my back patio. I have been blessed and reminded again and again in this one small activity: watching the birds in the birdbath.
It has brought to mind that though rejected: He is aware of me. Though downcast: He has not forgotten. Though uncertain of the future: He knows my needs. Though in need of cleansing: He has provided.
It has brought to mind that though rejected: He is aware of me. Though downcast: He has not forgotten. Though uncertain of the future: He knows my needs. Though in need of cleansing: He has provided.
He has made all things possible. By grace through faith in Christ. Though my sin seems to be ever before me, he takes pleasure in watching me come to Jesus again and again to be cleansed.
When I fly away, I am clean, holy and free.
My greatest need and yours, is the promise of Him and His presence in all of our various circumstances. In this one thing we can be fully satisfied. In His presence is fullness of joy. Oh may we not forget. I am grateful for these birdbath blessings and gentle, sweet reminders of His love, grace and faithfulness.
O, Lord I pray that I may be satisfied with the good things you give. Amen.
Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5
Friends, this is one of my personal favorite posts. I just longed to share it with you and hope it is a blessing. It was from my early days and got 16 views. I figure it should get a little more wear and tear since it was such a pleasure to write!
I will be posting the Rene Swopes story on Friday!
Hope to see you here then!
In His Grace, Dawn
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
I can see why this would be a favorite post! I can picture the birdies splashing the way they do in the water. Imagine how much bigger and deeper is God's joy as he watches you live your daily life! He is not counting up your messes at all (you do that just fine), all he sees is a delight to him! I believe that you, Dawn give our Father amazing pleasure every day!
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Thanks Susie, for making me smile with your encouraging words!
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what a lovely post! i also did a post about birds some time ago – (http://peggyapl.blogspot.com/2010/07/birdseed-blessings-birds-on-my-workdesk.html). great idea to repost it. blessings!
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I agree with you – birds bring me joy – we have a bird feeder out back and we get so many beautiful ones – I love to sit and watch them. They are pretty good sharers too. sandie
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A beautiful re-post Dawn! I would have to say that one of things that brings me the most pleasure each morning is reading special and inspiring posts; each of the special bloggers in my life bless and encourage me daily! :)Blessings and hugs!Denise
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Loved it! Thanks for sharing- and so great to connect with you!
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Hugs, Sandie. Praying many birdbath blessings for you…
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Denise, honestly you are a blessing, mentor and inspiration. Thanks for your words.
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Birds and watching them is one of the most relaxing things for me. It humbles me because I know God counts them, one by one, and loves them too. How much more, then, does He love us? So much! Wonderful post!
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Hi Dawn! LOVE your sparrows in the birdbath! I'm glad you reposted it. I've done that a couple of times with earlier posts of mine that didn't get so many views – that I especially liked. A great message – and – I think the same thing. Just as we take pleasure in watching and loving the Creation around us going about their business, I believe God takes pleasure in us the same way. Like when we just enjoy watching our children play . . .Now, as to the LYFE Conference – you SHOULD plan to go next year. It was a 3 hour drive from where I am in South Jersey and should be the same for you since it only take me about 6 hours to get to Fall River. It's in Clark's Summit PA – just outside of Scranton. Google LYFE Conference and you'll get all the details. You could be a Group Leader and get a couple friends to go and make it a great time! I AM planning to do a post for your link-up on my retreat journal. Much more I want to do to work through the many things I got out of the sessions. Be in touch!Joy!Kathy
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I'm glad you re-posted. I love reading what a writer considers a favorite – it welcomes me into your world and mind a bit {thank you}.”When I watch the birds roll, dip and rustle themselves so blatantly unaware of my presence and pleasure, yet so completely present in their own precious moment” – such wonderful words, I'm there with you.
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Janae, thanks- I hope you got my comment over at your post. I will check later. It seemed not to show. I loved what you shared prose and visual!
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I can't wait to see the journal, although I loved what I could see- and your travel kit, too! I think it would be fun to go and also to meet you there!
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Thanks, Shanyn!
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nice…love watching the birds…or the squirrels…they are so fun! and its just marveling in creation you knoww…that brings me joy for sure…
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Of course you probably know that bird watching is one of my most favorite things to do…thank you for sharing your delight in God's fine feathered creation with us! Yes, He does delight in us even more so than we could ever imagine! Isn't it wonderful to know that just as the birds and all of creation give us such joy and pleasure, even so our Heavenly Father has joy and pleasure in watching, listening, and witnessing our praise and thankfulness lifted up to Him. What a joy and delight indeed!! Thank you for brightening MY day!
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beautiful – reminds me of home –
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Agreed, Brian! Thanks for the visit!
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Oh, yes! Well I guess this balances the sad but powerful bird share at your place this past week!
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Love watching birds play! For several summers we have nesting merlin hawks on our property or nearby. A couple of summers ago once the young had fledged, they found a puddling spot on and along one edge of our patio following the sprinklers running. All five tried to get in this one puddle, and they flapped and jumped to their heart's content. I know that God delights in us so much more than I delighted in watching those baby hawks, and it is almost more than I can fathom! Thanks for the cheerful and loving post.
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