Last week, an impromptu stop at The Buttercup Bakery in our old college town turned out to be a timely sweet spot.
Not one, but seven prehistoric-looking Wood Storks were lined up at the drive-thru window! Patiently each one stood on stilted legs in a straight line, like kids on the first day of school waiting to go to the cafeteria. Seven --the number of perfection/completion. And, Wood Storks represent creativity, longevity, and new birth. All these things take time and patience.
I watched them from across the parking lot, thankful for the amusing angel message. And, me with no camera. The Stork bringing up the rear had to wait in the sun outside the overhang area. His humble stance stood out like this Wood Stork years ago.
Head bowed down low, wings opened wide...as if praying for patience, or measuring the size of a fish he hoped to catch. Woodstorks have no voice-- no song to call their own. They use body language to communicate. He seemed to convey a spirit of humbleness, to be grateful for the good already present.
Walking by the bakery, I found a gift he shed on the pavement. A beautiful long, shiny black feather with glints of green in the sunlight. A quill-- for writing. Penna is a word for feather...and pen came from that word. Interesting to think about the major role birds have played in recording world history. In the 1600's, quills were used to write and sign all correspondence.
Curious about the Wood Storks' gathering, I searched for more symbolism. They are known for extreme patience in waiting to nab a prey, wading into the waters, freezing in place, perfect stillness, waiting for the fish to flow.
I learned that the Wood Stock brings a message to let go and stop forcing a solution when the water is muddy and hard to see the outcome. Any excessive movement will only stir up more mud. Be patient and wait--eventually you'll see the opportunity you need open up naturally.
And, just in case I didn't take the angel message to heart, I opened a book I bought that morning at Angel Thrift Store. Saying Yes to Change. It had a perfect quote on muddy waters and patience.
TaoTe Ching
Angels are with us...we are never alone, and our lives are enriched by their presence. The ordinary /mundane can become extraordinary as we begin to look at the world through a higher lens. Things still appear to be what they are...but our perception shifts into a more expansive view. And, there is more going on than meets the physical eye in the material world. If you want an answer to a problem, earnestly seek within. Ask the Holy Spirit and the angels for the gift of discernment and to open the eyes of your heart. In this way, you will discover God's great love for you all around you. No matter where you are or what you do.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
