I love hearing the mockingbirds this time of year.  It reminds of the first time I heard a mockingbird singing all night long.  In fact, his singing and a storm awakened me many times during the night.  The severe storm raged.  Thunder crashed and lightning snapped.  During the lulls of the storm I heard the mockingbird singing, as if nothing had happened.  I think he sang to his mate to reassure her that all was well.  He could have been blown away.  He could have found a safe place, but he stood his ground and pursued his calling in life.

            The next morning diamond dewdrops kissed by glistening rays of sunlight sparkled through my bedroom window.  And what did I hear?  The melodious sound of that mockingbird greeting the dawn with joyful music!  Through the long dark night, he kept singing.  Through the wind and storm that surrounded him, pelting him in the face, he didn’t miss a note.  Somehow I think this melodious creature knew God watches over the “sparrow” and the mockingbird.

            Do you ever lose your song sometimes?  I have.  The “storms” of life can almost blow us away.  We lose sight of the fact that we have a loving, heavenly father who wants the highest good for you and me.  He has promised to never leave or forsake us.

He is in that hospital room.  He is with that child who is far from home.  He is with you when the telephone rings with disturbing news in the middle of the night.  And yes, he is there when that loved one is finally laid to rest. 

I need to learn to sing through the storm.  Is it times like this when I turn to Psalm 107:13:  “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.”

            I must keep God’s Word close to my heart.  I must cling to him with all my might.  I mustn’t look at the “storm,” the prevailing circumstances.  Keeping my eyes on Jesus every minute allows me to keep my peace.  “Come, let’s sing for joy to the LORD. Let’s shout praises to the Rock who saves us” (Psalm 95:1 NCV).

            It bothers me at times that my mockingbird seems to have more trust than I do.  I find that I must grow, trust and develop my faith…and I must sing.

            I must sing when my son has serious back surgery.  I must sing when misunderstandings and criticism prevail.  I must sing while waiting for a medical report.

What is left if I don’t sing?  Worry, anxiety, headaches, heartaches, sleepless nights and many anxious moments…that’s what is left.  Can I change anything by all of these?  No!

             I must live one day at a time and not allow the “storm” to rob me of the moment.

Time is too short to waste it.  It bears repeating, “Life Is Delicious.”  It is so delicious; I had to write it down in a book that will be published this fall.

            This life is made of wondrous things.  I like to call them “God’s specialties.”  I saw my first tulip today.  It is beautiful.  Children across the street call, “Hi Mrs. Clayton.”  That makes my day!  The rhythm of my swing on a warm sunny day causes me to think of my many blessings.  And then there’s my mockingbird.  His loyalty to his mate touches my heart and I am thankful for all of God’s creatures, especially my husband who loves me beyond belief.

            Sing through your storm today.  This storm too will pass and you will see sunny days again.  Sing even if you think your storm is blowing you away, you can “stand strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.”  (Ephesians 6:10).

            If a mockingbird can do it, so can you and I.