The Bird Bath

Right next to the raspberry canes and underneath a paperbark maple tree on the corner of the porch is a bird bath.  I love watching the birds come to gently drink.  Other times they come to splash and bath, wings flapping.

With fall in the air, it has been busy.  I have not been taking the time to sit quietly on the porch.  I have forgotten to pull over the hose and clean and fill the bird bath.  Yesterday I took time to notice that the water was green and full of dirt. Long strings of slime were moving in from the edges.  No birds were around. They had noticed days ago.

I tipped the dirty thick water out, got a scrub brush and  hose and cleaned and filled the bird bath again.  It was so satisfying to have fresh clear water in the shallow dish of the bath.  I let the hose fill and refill it to overflowing for a long time.  When I was all done, the water seemed lighter and the breeze ruffled the surface.  It took no time before the chickadees were flitting around again, drinking deeply from the clear.

My soul is like that bird bath.  I have neglected it lately too.  Like the bird bath, it doesn't take long before it has become thick and full of dirt.  Without noticing, I have become slimy.  I have been driven and snappy.  With the new expectations of fall on us all, I have so quickly forgotten to refill.  Harsh yelling words are sneaking in from my hard edges.  I have been demanding and pushy.  I need to dump out that slime and refill.  For me that means taking time again to sit, to be still with God, to read, to have those quiet evening baths and to let go of perfection in myself and all those around me.  There is still lots to do, but I can pull out that hose regularly and let it run so that I am filled and fresh.

We are all so unique.  What fill us up to overflowing with refreshing water may look quite different for each of us.  With all the  new beginnings of September upon us, take time to pay attention to your own soul.  Breathe deeply and refill.  Bring over the hose and let it run.