The Benediction of the Cardinals

I will go before you and make the rough places smooth…
Isaiah 45:2

When our family built our first home, we never considered moving out. It was an integral part of our future. When we realized we’d have to sell it and find another place to settle, it was heartbreaking.

During that season of searching for a place to move to, I was regularly visited by cardinals. I’d be driving along and suddenly see one swooping in front of my car, just short of a collision with my windshield.

Trust me, this was no coincidence. I saw more than thirty cardinals do this daredevil feat! And every time my heart would sense the Lord saying, “I go before you and make the way!” My heart was deeply comforted by His involvement in my life.

Once we secured a place to live, it was as if the cardinals had done their job. Not even one took a dive for my windshield again.

We lived in that place for just six months before the Lord sovereignly moved us to our current address, which is a lovely farmhouse situated on several acres. Our family recognizes this homestead as a great gift from the Father.

Interestingly enough, the first week we moved in my youngest son summoned me into his room calling, “Mom! Come quick! Your red birds!” I scurried into his bedroom, joining him at the window.

To my absolute astonishment, six bright red cardinals were perched on a small tree in the side yard. There were six male cardinals hovering about this little tree as if it were as natural as can be. It was a completely ridiculous sight. “Impossible!” was my first thought. “There are six of us living here,” was my next reflection.

It was as if the Lord had sent them as a benediction. The sight seemed to imply “I have made the way for you!” His message of love and care seemed to sing through the scene, “Be blessed!”

Indeed, we are.