Life can be full of surprising angel messages. One memory comes to mind. Years ago, an annual Art Festival in town blocked off Main Street. Walking to a local restaurant to meet a friend for lunch, I began to worry my friend Joanna wouldn't find a parking place. I decided to change my negative thinking and to give thanks that the angels would guide her to the perfect parking spot.
When I got to the packed restaurant, Joanna was already seated at a choice patio table near the manatee waterfalls. I smiled, recognizing things are always in divine order when I get out of the way. Turns out, she got the last space in a nearby lot.
As I joined her, a worried woman seated behind me at another table, confided that she was meeting a blind date, a man she met on line. She worried, about where he could park.
I told her not to worry. Angels would guide him. She smiled, and took my hand, grateful that we both spoke the same language. Before long her date appeared, and they went somewhere less noisy.
Dining in the fresh air, I saw a shiny penny by the waterfalls. A welcomed sign from the angels that everything is in divine order. A small lizard sunning on the railing scurried away as I picked up the coin. Lizard teaches detachment, a need to let go of old fears. Turns out, the lizard was a heads-up that a lesson on such was in the works.
After a delicious lunch, as we were leaving the crowded patio, an odd couple caught my eye. A man was busy texting, ignoring his dining companion. A large white parrot sat still on a place mat directly across from the man. At first glance, I thought the bird was a stuffed toy. Then it tilted its feathery head and blinked at me.
"You're REAL!" I blurted out, amazed such a beautiful parrot was out to lunch in a local restaurant.
The man put down his phone, anxious to put on a show.
Do you love me? The parrot hopped on his hand, and tenderly pecked the master's ear.
Do you love me? The parrot hopped on his hand, and tenderly pecked the master's ear.
Give me a kiss! The obedient avian planted a gentle peck on his master's lips.
We laughed, and thanked them for the show.
Walking away from their table, I couldn't believe the last command. Now, flick off the nice ladies! The man laughed.
Had I heard him right?! I turned around in time to see the final act.
Standing on the table, the big white parrot reared back, and lifted one leg. A big talon was aimed in our direction.
Had I heard him right?! I turned around in time to see the final act.
Standing on the table, the big white parrot reared back, and lifted one leg. A big talon was aimed in our direction.
A split-second of humor broke the mesmerism when it hit me! I'd been given the bird by a bird. That was a first.
"Now, you have to give me a kiss," I laughed. But my words were powerless. Two shiny black eyes blinked, and stared blankly.
Apparently, this man had taught his bird many things. If there are no random acts, what did this strange encounter with a parrot mirror in my life?
I learned that parrots are the record keeper for the thoughts you tell yourself.
What thoughts are you parroting to yourself?
A quick self-inventory revealed, often not so positive.
Early the next morning, not fully awake, a still small inner voice came to mind. "Be still and know that I am God." That was a command worth following. I relaxed.
I thought about how the innocent parrot had been trained to act on the master's command. Was I like that parrot at times? Obedient to my ego's negative, fearful, guilt-ridden commands rather than relying on the truth of what God says about me.
More reinforcement was in the works. A short time later, a free chart God Has A Positive Answer turned up at a gift shop, Somewhere in Time. A helpful guide to defeat negative ego commands.
YOU SAY - GOD SAYS
You say: It's impossible.
God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)
You say: I can't forgive myself.
God says: I Forgive you. (I John 1:9 & Roman 8:1)
You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
You say: Nobody really loves me.
God says: I love you. (John 3:1-6 & John 3:34)
You say: I can't go on.
God says: My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9)
You say: I can't figure things out.
God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3.5-6)
You say: It's not worth it.
God says: It will be worth it. (Roman 8:28)
You say: I'm too tired.
God says: I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: I'm not smart enough.
God says: I give you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: I can't manage.
God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
You say: I'm afraid.
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)
The parrot also brought home a lesson on non-reaction. If someone insults you, you don't have to take it seriously. Just laugh it off and move on.
"The parrot, with its deafening squawk, rudely awakens us out of our sleep of complacency and spiritual idleness, and urges us to aim for higher things. It announces: "Take the long, broad grand highway as far as your perspective is concerned, because life is eternal! You are eternal!" (Angel Messages, The Oracle of the Birds.
Love and joyful blessings,
Rae Karen
