I was taking my usual bike ride around the lake and it was such a great time in nature.

I saw a turtle and several cranes and there was this one large black bird that got my attention. He was sitting near the side of the lake with his wings just spread out, enjoying the wind and the nice sun....just relaxing and taking in the day!

I talked that bird, whispering my internal struggle, "Teach me how to relax like that!"

That black bird had no cares. Just catching the breeze. Not at all worried about its food or where it was going to sleep or the cars racing near it.

That bird was steady. Confident. stable.

Immediately, I was drawn back to the Garden of Eden and how Adam and Eve were designed to be... free!

Sure, they had assignments in the Garden, but they walked with God in the cool of the evening. They took in the wonder and beauty that was around them. They didn't hustle and bustle like we do now, always stressing out from one hour to the next.

Can we just rest? And relax? And enjoy life again...at a slower pace...in a meaningful way...

Where we can stop and spread our arms wide in sheer gratitude of just the blessings around us...

If this time of self-isolation taught me anything, it taught me to loosen my schedule, to breathe and to be confident in God's power and to rest in His care.

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers