Adjusting for Joy…

A precious couple that we are blessed to have in our lives, gifted us with a beautiful metal bird feeder with glass windows on each sideimage0.jpeg. Each morning, we sit on our back porch with our coffee and watch the birds at the feeder. It’s a simple routine, one that might be considered an “older person activity,” but it’s become one of my favorite ways to start the day. The feeder is adjustable and we have set it for the weight of small birds, the heavier birds can’t access the seeds.

One particular visitor—a bright red cardinal—often catches our attention. He’ll perch on a nearby tree branch, watching the smaller birds peck and eat. After the little birds fly away, he leaps to the bird feeder perch.

At first, he seemed puzzled, tilting his head, tapping at the glass, trying to figure out why the seeds won’t spill out for him. But over time, he has learned a new trick: if he flaps his wings just enough to lighten his weight, the seeds tumble down into the slots and into his reach.

Watching him, I realized how much his persistence reflects our own lives. Sometimes, when life gets heavy, we keep trying the same approach, expecting different results, frustrated that joy and blessing seem just out of reach. But God often calls us to adjust—lighten the weight we’re carrying, shift our perspective, or change how we approach a challenge—so that we can see that His blessings are always there.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4–7).

This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean that joy is still possible, even when circumstances remain unchanged—if we’re willing to adjust how we respond.

Like our cardinal, we need to release the heaviness—fear, disappointment, regret, and other things that weight us down—so we can rise just enough to see and receive what God has been providing all along. When we adapt our approach, we often discover blessings we didn’t realize were there, simply waiting for us to change our perspective.

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gentle ways You teach us through the beauty of Your creation. Help us to let go of the heaviness we carry so often, that we can rise to accept Your joy. When life feels frustrating or hard, remind us to adjust our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions to see Your blessings clearly. Teach us to trust Your ways and to find contentment in Your presence, no matter our circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.