Carrying Prayers to Heaven

This particular print is very special to me. It’s been a rough week, and I wanted to work on something that would fill my soul. For me, that always starts with poetry. There is a very short poem I shared here a couple months ago called “Hummingbird” that I wrote about God’s miracles. I very much needed to focus on God this week, on His goodness and faithfulness, especially as I thought about my friend who passed away far too soon.

I’ve found myself being impatient… with petty behavior, silly arguments, and general nonsense. Anything that seems to take away from the fact that we are all here right now, we have all been given the grace of a new day and what exactly are we doing with it? I know this is part of my grief talking, and I’ve been praying a lot. I feel out of sorts and stressed, just trying to keep up while at the same time making the most of every day.

So I go back to poetry, especially now. I’m certain God must reach through those words (either mine or someone else’s) and put a calming hand upon my soul. My poem “Hummingbird” is a favorite of mine because it’s all about stopping for a moment to realize the daily miracles God gives us. Why do we need such a reminder? And yet, I do. I can forget all too easily.

This poem is about pausing to notice these wondrous birds who defy logic and show us God’s creativity. Just seeing them in motion reminds me that miracles are everywhere, and somewhere in the midst of all that goes on, my prayers are heard.

Hummingbird

The hummingbird
pauses before me
sharing his offer
to carry my prayers
up to heaven.

But I tell him, silly one,
watching you fly
is the miracle that
tells me they are
already there.

© Cherie Burbach, “Hummingbird” Angel Toughness, 2015

I had so much fun with my first time lapse video that I decided to do another one for this painting. The song included was created from the “Hummingbird” poem.