Under His Wings

This might seem like a weird story to tell about this verse, but it popped into my mind out of nowhere, so that is usually a good sign. After losing John, feathers became Godwinks for me. It started with me clinging to Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with His feathers, under His wings you will find refuge.” I looked at the feathers as a reminder that I was still snuggled up under His wings, listening to His heart’s beat. I would find them in the most remarkable places at the perfect time. One time, while driving down the Interstate with tears streaming down my face, the whole world seemed to suddenly move in slow motion as a single white feather drifted from the heavens right in front of me. I have lots of feathers and lots of feather stories! But this particular time, it was about a year and a half or so after John died, and I was feeling…empty. I guess that is the best word. I was getting ready to go on a hike, and I might have mentioned to God that a little sign and wonder would be excellent…or a feather would suffice. I was meandering along, listening to a book, processing life, and a giant Great Horned owl flew down perched on a branch about 3 feet above the ground and roughly 30 feet away from me. I skidded to a halt, mouth agape, staring at him, and he stared right back. For about a full minute, we just held each other’s gaze. It was remarkable. He flew off, but I lingered there in wonder for a while. Then I laughed, thinking about God’s wonderful provision; I asked for a feather, but He sent the whole dang bird!!