From Streams in the Desert, July 8:

There is a fable about the way birds first got their wings.  The story goes that initially they were made without them.  Then God made the wings, set them down before the wingless birds, and said to them, “Take up these burdens and carry them.”

The birds had sweet voices for singing, and lovely feathers that glistened in the sunshine, but they could not soar in the air.  When asked ot pick up the burdens that lay at their feet, they hesitated at first.  Yet soon they obeyed, picked up the wings with their beaks, and set them on their shoulders to carry them.

For a short time the load seemed heavy and difficult to bear, but soon, as they continued to carry the burden and to fold the wings over their hearts, the wings grew attached to their little bodies.  They quickly discovered how to use them and were lifted by the wings high into the air.  The weights had become wings.

The past two weeks have been mixed with blessings and burdens, victories and disappointments.  But I am reminded that our weights can become our wings if we choose to see them as such.

0622.  the first day of swim lessons

0623.  knowing that the second day will be better

0624.  rising early to serve Jesus breakfast

0625.  looking forward to doing it again

0626.  the second day of swim lessons

0627.  friend good news and praises

0628.  reversed charges

0629.  feeling unproductive

0630.  being broken

0631.  words of grace

0632.  enchiladas left in the oven over night

0633.  chicken casserole, without the chicken

0634.  God’s grace to handle a bad day well

0635.  clean fridge and freezer

0636.  peanut butter play doh

0637.  baby goats

0638.  a pond

0639.  Mahner-time

0640.  seven year old waking tired sisters up

0641.  swimming and monokini’s 😦

0642.   clean house and kitchen and floors

0643.  late dinner

0644.  project disasters

0645.  date night and good conversation

0646.  God’s hand

0647.  dog’s birthday

0648.  running with my love

0649.  impromptu naps

0650.  blonde “baby” so tan

0651. doggy gift of a dead mouse

0652.  early service

0653.  4th of July parade

0654.  changes in plans and coming over for lunch anyway

0655.  home made ice cream and apple pie

0656.  rainy fourth

0657.  letting tired ones go to bed on time

0658.  New York City fire works on television

0659.  dry swim session

0660.  day trip to KC with Matt on a Monday

0661.  flashing lights and slips of paper that remind us to slow down

0662.  talking late about the school year, budgets, and how to make it all work

0663.  how early 5:15 feels

0664.  swimming progress

0665.  fears overcome

0666.  next year’s Shark and Minnow

0667.  Cows Eat Free Day

0668.  celebratory cones at Dairy Queen

0669.  Ruthie

0670.  make your own pizza night

0671.  friend words that sting

0672.  practicing what I preach

0673.  Sunday afternoon snuggles with the youngest

I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.  ~ Isaiah 48:10

They will soar on wings like eagles.  ~ Isaiah 40:31

Your burdens are your blessing.  May they carry you to the throne of the Most High this week.