Respite

“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.” – Job 37:14 (NIV) 

I am in a season of deep writer’s block, a side effect of life changes coming faster than I can track. Metaphors that used to flow like a…. See? I’ve got nothing.  

One recent day, while pacing the yard trying to find the words I needed, I noticed a sunflower where there hadn’t been a sunflower the day before. This is my second summer of disheartening sunflower attempts—first from seeds that didn’t sprout, then from sprouts that got too leggy, and finally from plants from a local farm. I routinely forgot to water them. I whispered them encouraging words when they really needed me to pull weeds. Based on their stunted growth as August approached, I thought it would be another disappointing dream. But, despite my worst attempts, here was a sunflower stretching tall with golden petals. Sure, half of them were missing and the leaves had gaping holes—this flower was more scraggly than sunny—but to me it was beautiful. 

And then, that same week in the same yard, I noticed a bird’s nest. It was in the hanging basket full of dead flowers I’ve been meaning to throw out since last fall. Every time I walked by, a tiny pang of guilt manifested but not enough to dump the eyesore in the trash. And now, there were two birds flying back and forth, gathering twigs in their beaks, transforming the flower graveyard into a nursery for their eggs to rest. Their chirps sound like a tiny “Thank you!” for leaving this treasure behind for them to find. More beauty. 

My writer’s block is still here. Don’t ask me what these signs mean. The meaning will come, or maybe it won’t, but the wonder is back, and for now, that is enough. 

Prayer
If you keep showing up, God, I’ll keep paying attention.

About the Author
Ellis Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.