What a joy it is for me to see a new bird at the feeder!
Yesterday morning, a male grosbeak appeared on my feeders. Despite it’s muted fall colors, the triangle of red breast is unmistakable. The eyebrow streak is prominent, the black and white spotted wings definitive.
Apparently grosbeaks migrate through my part of Florida in September and October, usually as solitary birds. I got a photo to reassure myself: I know what this is.
What else will surprise me today?
I finally talked to my son yesterday. I was frustrated I had not been able to reach him for several days. I complained; he grew angry and resistant. This is an old pattern for us, often because I insist on my way. Sometimes I’m right, but often I need to take more gentle approach. That works better with him.
To be honest, it’s been challenging to raise a son as a single mother. Growing up in a household of girls myself, I’ve felt disadvantaged at times. I find I either hold him far too close or let him drift out too far. Thankfully, I’ve had help from many different wise advisors along the way.
This time, when I insisted he set a time for him to call me back, his voice rose in anger in frustration. “You can call me, you know!” “I have called you, “ I retorted, “hundreds of times since last week!” On that note, he hung up on me.
Wait! This was not the loving, kind, caring, compassionate, understanding, nurturing phone call I’d planned! My resolve must be stronger than my anger to communicate effectively with him.
Sigh.
So, what I supposed to learn from this? What is the message of this migratory visit from the rose-breasted grosbeak? Do I know what this is?
I’ll look it up, but I’m guessing it’s something like, Life is unpredictable. Keep watching, and take advantage of connection opportunities when you can. They will be there.
That reassures me slightly, if not entirely.
Here.
In the single mother garden.
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From: Animal Speak: The Spiritual, Magical Powers of Animal Creatures Great and Small
- “This beautiful little bird can teach us much about proper family relationships. It can help us in healing family hugs and restoring family love.”
- “It will help you in seeing family patterns that you have brought over into your present life, along with your present family members.”
- “The grosbeak awakens a new pride and nobleness in the family process.”
- “The grosbeak has on its chest a rose-colored triangle that looks like a bleeding heart. This totem can help teach us to heal all of the old wounds and hurts of family origin.”
- “The grosbeak helps us to see our family relationships as a true melody, each note separate but part of the larger whole.”
Reflection:
Wow. I’m astounded that’s the symbolism of the grosbeak! A clear indication from the Universe that the time is now to begin the work of healing old family wounds, whatever they may be.
We were on the boardwalk, looking over the savannah. We’d just spotted two birds in the tall Florida grasses, just beyond a tree trunk and a clump of bushes. We all paused, trying to identify these two brown, long-tailed birds.
About a month ago, I left my journal at a friend’s house, so I had to start a new one. When I got the old one back, I started writing again where I’d left off. I noticed a lot had happened in a month’s time. So I wrote about it. (Note: Journal technique: time capsule)
May 29, 2016
The downy woodpeckers in the back yard fledged the nest.
The robins are coming to life. The loose flocks lurking around the neighborhood are now moving in, feasting on the red holly berries that just turned the proper degree of ripeness after January’s crisp nights.
As I look at the photos of the new house I covet—a cute cottage, just the right size, in just the right neighborhood—I realize I’m actually looking forward to change. I’m not holding on to this place. The bright red door of possibility is as warm and welcoming as the robin’s breast.
Spring shadows and first lilies.
inthegardenofthedivine 