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A stranger’s kindness
birds appearing in the woods
unexpected gifts
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Wendy ❀ 2015
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At the end of December,
Ian and I were enticed by some sunshine
to go bird-watching at Lazo Marsh.
But when we arrived
we couldn’t see any feathered friends.
As we got closer to the water they appeared in the branches.
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I’ve not been one to feed birds.
I figure our garden is already bird-friendly enough
with its abundant supply of organic berries and seeds.
But I wished I’d brought some food with me
so I could lure those sweet little critters
closer to my camera.
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And that’s when the kindness of a stranger intervened.
A retired gentlemen approached us
while I was struggling with my camera, timer, and tripod.
He stepped closer. “I can take a picture of you both.”
I smiled. “That would be wonderful.”
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He pressed the shutter button. “I’ll take two just to make sure.”
He took another picture, and then he pulled a bag of seed out of his pocket. “Would you like to share some with the birds?”
I hesitated until I remembered how desperately I wanted some closeups
of the chickadees and juncos. “Yes please. Thank you.”
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Ian chatted with the friendly gentleman
while I snapped a bunch of pictures
of chestnut-backed chickadees, Steller’s jays
and whatever else stood still long enough.
I don’t like to keep my husband waiting too long,
so I took advantage of the situation.
~ ♪♫ Happy days are here again. ♫♪ ~
(Every once in a while I joined in their conversation
when they talked about current events.)
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Eventually it was time to say goodbye to the kind gentleman.
I pulled my attention away from the birds
and made eye contact with him. “Best wishes for 2015.”
His face brightened. “Thank you.”
And that was when I realized
we had been kind strangers to him too.
We had broken up his lonely day.
~
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We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
Psalm 124:7
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Blessings of Kindness ~ Wendy ❀
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Have you recently been blessed by the kindness of a stranger?
Oh, do tell, if you have a minute to spare.
~
I enjoyed looking at all of these pictures of birds, and hearing about the fellowship you and your husband had with that kind man. Sometimes when I am shopping I have the nicest conversations with other shoppers. It really warms my heart.
Theresa, I suspect you’re one of those lovely people who treats cashiers with kindness and respect. A little dab of thoughtfulness spreads an aroma of joy. ❀
Thank you for showing us the beautiful birds. You are showing us all “kindness” by sharing.
Karen, I’m thankful to pass on the baton that the kind man passed to us. ❀
Great story and spectacular pictures, Wendy.
Thank you, dear Bill. I was blessed by your recent post. You inspire hope every time you write. ❀
Lovely pictures and a lot of gast in youre garden
Thank you, Marylou, for your faithful and kind visits here. ❀
What a beautiful story of a friendly encounter. 🙂 I loved it!
Laura, I’ll just bet you’re an especially lovely person to run into in the woods. Your passion for life shines through your posts & pictures. ❀
Aww thank you! I’m very friendly yes, lol. 😀
I thought so. 🙂
Such a beautiful account of friendship! Even with strangers, a friendship developes… so lovely, Wendy 🙂 The birds were just delightful to watch! Have a wonderful day. Love, hugs Iris
Iris, I enjoy the friendship I encounter at your blog. xo You write from the heart, and it blesses me. ❀
Thank you, Wendy. <3 You have really been very encouraging and I do appreciate your friendship and support. 🙂
As I do yours, dear Iris. 🙂
These special birds are like little jewels amidst all the brown and cold of winter. So much more brilliant perhaps due to their subdued surroundings. Of all the things we passed along in our move closer into town several years ago, I think sitting working at my kitchen window and watching all my little birds and other forest friends are the only parts I really miss. You have done another kindness by sharing your beautiful photos and thoughts with all of us. Each one blesses and warms me in ways I didn’t know I needed. Today, I’m reminded that my heart needs for me to get out in nature a bit more in 2015. Thank you, Wendy, and blessings on your 2015.
Dear Mary, thank you for your lovely and thoughtful comment. Getting out in nature is restorative, inspiring, and healing. Perhaps that’s why the bible mentions Jesus praying in a garden. Even having flowers on the dining-room table is a blessing. ❀
What a great encounter, I think we miss opertunities to brighten someone’s day far to often. Makes we think about being a little more aware of people next time I’m out.
Also, I’ve never seen a chestnut-backed chickadee!
Thanks!
Gene, aren’t chickadees the happiest looking little creatures? They cheer me up on the dullest of days. I agree that we’re blessed and can be a blessing if we stay aware of others while we’re out and about. ❀
Lovely post! And a little reminder to be a “kind stranger” ourselves…
Thank you for your kindness, Lorna. ❀
I enjoyed your thoughts, musings, and your photos…It was a wonderful way to start the day.
Thank you, Charlie. I enjoyed learning about the Rue Anemone on your blog. ❀
You were blessed by Mother Nature with these beautiful birds. I know from my experience what a wonderful feeling it is, like a contemplation, a bliss……… Wanda
Thank you, dear Wanda. Yes, getting out in creation is always a treat. Today I noticed the green shoots of snowdrops starting to poke through fallen leaves. Blessings for your 2015. ❀
I find it interesting that you think the man was “lonely” because he was “alone”….when I go into nature I am always solitary and do my best to avoid other humans because this is the exact situation which I seek. 🙂 I actually feel lonely when I’m in a street full of people because I am socially inept…in nature it feels more like home and I feel like I’m actually welcome there despite my mental illness…the birds & butterflies don’t judge me. 🙂 Its Always good to be kind to anyone! 🙂
I agree one should not assume a lone person is lonely. A close relative of mine (who is on the autism spectrum) purposely hikes in secluded places and at specific times to avoid crowds.
There are days when I prefer to be alone too.
And, yes, we are wise not to judge others and to always be kind. I wish for our society to grow more compassionate towards those who don’t behave the same as neurotypicals do. Too often they’re bullied just because they’re different. We all could learn some lessons from the nonjudgmental Spirit of creation. ❀ Blessings for your 2015.
Wendy, you would bless any one’s life who crossed your path. You are a sweet blessing to so many.
Thank you, dear Liana. You are a blessing to me. ❀ I don’t regret many things more than when I’ve caused someone grief.
Shared kindness – what a beautiful story and love that picture of you and Ian! <3
Diana xo
Thanks for your kindness, Diana. xo I noticed you’ve written two intriguing posts this week. Now I’ll hop on over there and jump into the discussion. ❀
My pleasure and thank you for using the word intriguing. It’s one of my fave words! <3
Diana xo
Wendy I am in heaven on this post, so many beautiful images, especially the blue bird. I would have been so happy if someone had offered to help me capture nature like this. Stunning pictures on a special day.
Thanks Kath. I’m loving and appreciating birds more and more. Taking pictures of them has helped me notice how truly beautiful they are. I can see why you love to paint pictures of them, and you do it so well. ❀
This was such a blessing! I love those birds and the kind stranger, and the kindness you shared as well! 🙂 We have been going to Chuck E Cheese a lot and Aub plays skeeball . Then we look for someone to give the tickets to and it is so much fun to see their faces light up. 🙂 Thank you, Wendy, for your kind and gracious heart!
Debbie, what a lovely and fun kindness you and Aub share. It reminds me of our Father who delights in giving us good gifts.
Wonderful story…beautiful images!
Thank you for your kind visit. ❀
Well this is just wonderful Wendy and totally brightened my morning! All those gorgeous photos, including the one of the two of you! I have certainly been blessed quite a few times, by the kindness of strangers; it is a wonderful feeling, and also to be the stranger who gives that blessing too, as were you when you had your conversation with the kind gentleman. A lovely warming story, especially in what seem to be such troubled times in the world. If only we could all just be kind; if only it was that simple… X
Christine, your words remind me that we also miss out when we hold back kindness. Yes, “If only we could all just be kind.” The credit goes to the stranger for my post. I was feeling introverted that morning and had to pull myself away from the birds in order to engage with him. So glad I did. Hugs dear poet friend. ❀
I know the introverted feeling very well, so yes, your post is a reminder that making the effort can make all the difference to both parties. Xx
Double like 🙂 🙂
JC
Thank you, twice over, JC. 🙂
Wendy, like you, I have come to love and appreciate birds more since we moved here. Seeing bluejays and chickadees have become part of our daily lives, I’m happy to say, and seeing your gorgeous photos fill my heart with joy.
Love the pic of you and Ian too. <3
Jennifer xo
Thanks, dear Jennifer. xo I just peeked at your latest post—wow! I love your neighborhood. Now I’ll head back over there and let you know what colour my January is (How come spell-check says our Canadian spelling is wrong–eh?) 🙂
Birds are the tiny ambassadors of the Lord, and your photos show how much love you have to everything which lives on this planet. I find these pictures fantastic!
Thank you, dear Inese. I enjoyed seeing your lovely paintings on Facebook and on your blog. They brightened up my January morning. ❀
Awww, sweet from beginning to end. Gorgeous pics!
Thank you, Angie, for your kind words and for the reblog. Blessings on your weekend. ❀
Gladly, Wendy. Have I ever told you that I love your sub-title, “My faith is not shallow, because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” Makes me smile 😀
Angie, thank you for letting me know that. ❀ My tagline sums up what matters the most to me–my Savior, my Healer, my Friend.
My Shepherd, my Strength, my Peace ❤ 😀
Reblogged this on Angie Mc's Reblog Love and commented:
“Eventually it was time to say goodbye to the kind gentleman.
I pulled my attention away from the birds
and made eye contact with him. “Best wishes for 2015.”
What a beautiful post this is. Thank you, Wendy, for sharing this with me. I have found that most people are kind, if we open ourselves to it.
Cynthia, your words are true. When a person is accepted, as is, and treated with respect they feel safe to shed their shell. ❀ Thank you for your kind visit.
You are welcome! How is your weather doing out there? We had a surprisingly mild day yesterday, but we’re a few months too early for crocuses and daffodils!
It’s been an especially mild winter–so far. After days of gloom we were blessed with some sun and rainbows on the weekend. My snowdrops are beginning to poke their green noses up through the leaves. I’m glad you’re having a gentler winter than last year.
Yes, thanks. Much better so far than last year’s ice storm and brutally long winter.
I love your blog! I love the bird phots (birds were created on the fifth day; Adam on the sixth day). You might like my recent post on “The Sabbath.” Please check it out and let me know what you think. Please have a blessed day.
Thank you for your visit and invite. ❀ I appreciate that you include God’s word in your blogposts.
It doesn’t seem like much. Just a gentleman at the Walmart on Thursday who stopped and gestured for me to go ahead of him in the checkout line; and he did it with a smile.
Warmed the whole rest of my day.
Linda, the little things really do count. They predict how a person will behave in the big things. Thank you for sharing. It warmed my heart to read your comment. <3