One Caffeinated Blue Jay

While I was sitting on my front porch one day last week, a blue jay landed by my coffee cup and took a sip. My first ministerial thought (I confess to an earlier thought that was not ministerial.) was surely there is a sermon illustration in this somewhere. Desiring to share my experience and opportunity with others I posted this on Facebook, anticipating creative replies from my Facebook “friends.” I received a variety of replies, some serious, others humorous. Then came the poem. While I occasionally share a quote from someone else in this Monday Manna, I’m not sure I’ve ever shared someone else’s poem. But with the permission of my good friend, Randal Whitt, enjoy:

I sat down this morning with coffee by my side,
On the quietness of my porch, in my Lord to confide,
Startled a bit I turned to see
The eyes of a blue jay staring at me

He had swooped down from its perch to check things out
I wondered…what exactly was this unusual encounter about?

In an instant I saw him peak
Then just as quick he dipped his beak
Into my cup and took a small sip
Then flew away with a song on his lips

I did not understand what he had to say
But I do know this: he was now one caffeinated blue jay

So what did I learn from this visit today?
What message from God was being conveyed?
Perhaps it’s as simple as this little phrase:

Even on your porch, God can amaze.

Now let’s see what things God can amaze us with today as we join in remembering the following global prayer concerns:
• Pray for guidance for Kazakhstan pastors and church leaders who are seeking to register their churches according to the new national law.
• Pray for a Sports and English Camp for Russian and Czech-speaking teens, called “OlympicFEST.”
• The food crisis in Africa’s Sahel region is expected to remain critical throughout the summer. Pray for those who are suffering near starvation and for workers who are trying to help them.
• Pray for Lynn and Sandra as they take some much-needed time off from their ministry in Mexico City.