The yellow bird you see in the picture lay stunned and unmoving on our front porch.
It’s not the first time a bird has flown into one of our windows. Luckily this bird was discovered by my husband and passed off to my daughter before any of the farm cats found it.
My daughter tended to it for a time, and eventually it was able to hop to a branch in the tree and eventually fly away.
A little bit of love, care and protection was all that bird needed to “get back its wings” and take flight.
Have you ever felt like that bird, stunned and shocked, with your ability to move, much less fly, non-existent?
Maybe it was something minor that got you off-kilter, or maybe it was something more serious that knocked the wind out of you for an extended time.
Seeing the gentleness of my daughter reminded me of the kindness and caring I’ve received from others at vulnerable times.
Perhaps you are in that numb or overwhelmed state right now and need the kindness of others.
If so, I send you my love and prayers.
Maybe you’re aware of someone who is bewildered and confused with the challenges of life. May I invite you to be the one to reach out and tenderly care for that person until she regains her strength?
Thomas S. Monson said,
“I consider charity, or the ‘pure love of Christ’ – to be the opposite of criticism and judging.
I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.
It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others.
Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are.”
I invite you to ponder and act upon these beautiful words. Reach out and lift another today, and if you are the one struggling, show the same kindness to you that would show to another.
Much love,
What kind words and a beautiful post Melanie! Thank you for just what I needed to hear today. Blessings to you!
Thank you Diane! I’m so glad it was able to uplift! Sending you love!?
The words of Thomas S. Monson brought tears to my eyes…especially “charity…not only in times of sickness and affliction…but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.” What a wonderful reminder to me to extend love and gentleness EVERYWHERE I can! Thanks–Yvonne
Thank you Yvonne! This quote really touched me! It gives me hope that others will extend charity to me in my times of weakness and mistakes.?