A Bang at the Kitchen Window
This morning as I sat having tea, I heard a bang outside my kitchen picture window. When I looked out the window, I saw a tiny gray bird with an underbelly of white and white on the undertail feathers frantically trying to escape the unexpected enclosure, unaware that the open space it flew through onto our back deck, was only a foot or so away. Escape was possible and very near…only the sweet bird was in panic mode.
Glass, the Great Deceiver
Windows are tricky and even lethal for birds. It would appear that there is nothing between where you are and where you need to go…glass being the great deceiver. You can see through but there is a barrier between where you are currently and to where you want to be – freedom.
I resonated with the message the wee bird offered. I recognized the panic, the flitting about recklessly, looking for a way out…. banging into clear glass mistaking that for clarity and a way out; unable to recognize the barrier.
Learning to Trust Instead of Trying to Fix
My first response was to ‘help’. Somehow capture the wee bird and set it free, especially when it hit the glass again. My next response was to pray that the wee thing would be able to feel, sense the opening and the fresh air (it is quite large really) that would lead to freedom from the confines of the back deck. I eventually had to trust that it would find its own way out of the ‘trap’.
As I settled down, the bird settled down too and began to take note of the surroundings. He or she perched on a wooden statue of a magpie and had a good look around. The magpie statue is only 6 inches or so from the opening to freedom. I never saw the wee bird leave, but I trust that it found its way out.
The Lesson: How to Be Free While Waiting in Uncertainty
The lesson for me on how to be free? Especially with the cancer situation with my husband Ron as we wait in uncertainty. I move into research, reading – trapped in a back deck of my own making! Ron found the opening to freedom long ago, I think. He has that way of being – accepting what is and allowing freedom to find him.
The Junco Meaning and Symbolism
I looked up the bird. It is a Junco. So of course, I looked up the totem animal meaning of the Junco.
The message it brought me this morning:
The Junco is a small bird with a big impact. In Native American symbolism, the Junco is known as the “bringer of messages.” This is because the junco is known for its ability to communicate across vast distances. The junco is also considered to be a symbol of adaptability and resourcefulness. This is because juncos can survive in a variety of habitats.
In Japanese culture, the Junco is seen as a symbol of strength and perseverance. The Junco is also seen as a symbol of love and is often used in art to depict couples or families.
Associated with healing and protection.
The Junco power animal reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we can overcome them by being adaptable and resourceful. The Junco totem teaches us to appreciate the beauty of change and find the silver lining in every situation. So next time you see a Junco, take a moment to reflect on the lessons it has to offer.
Message Received
Message received!
On a day when I have been feeling the deep and hard feels with husband Ron’s diagnosis, recurrence, possible conventional treatments, possible complementary options, uncertainties and waiting, I need to hear what this little bird brought.
I am grateful knowing that even in the most difficult emotional times, messages of love, support and hope can be found anywhere and everywhere.
Staying Connected
Thank you for being present in my weekly connection with you. If you would like to read the most recent update in Caring Bridge, here is the link.
