This week a friend and I had plans to speak by phone about a challenging situation. I decided it should be a three-way, so I drove to the local beach and climbed to one of my favorite places, revealing HaShem’s beautiful vista from the shore. I felt that with our Abba on the call, we would be helped in our search for good solutions.

And He did not disappoint. . .

We addressed the issues at hand and commiserated that often we find ourselves in situations, especially with some of our Messianic Jewish endeavors, two steps forward, one step back, or worse, one step forward, two steps back. I listened as my friend shared that just as things are moving in the right direction, it’s as if forces are at work to tear it down, trying to pull him off course, our endeavor faced with unexpected hurdles. It’s hard to stay the course at times and fight discouragement.

As the discussion continued, easily for 20 minutes or more, I watched a large white seagull being pecked at and pestered by a smaller one. It was truly amazing to watch. No matter which direction the large gull walked, no matter which way he turned, whether he went straight forward or in a circle, that little gull just kept pestering him. He would not leave the large gull alone. And this went on and on and on and on. It was as if HaShem was illustrating in the sea gull drama the same feelings of frustration my friend was sharing with me at the very same time!

But, the gull did not fly away. It just kept trying different directions and movements, steadfastly withstanding the pecking and annoyingly pesky bird. Finally after so many minutes, the large gull calmly swam into the ocean and headed to sea. The smaller bird swam alongside it for awhile but eventually gave up, the large gull ending this episode en route to enjoy the rest of the beautiful afternoon, its feathers unruffled, its course sure.

It felt as if HaShem was definitely on our call, reminding us to persevere, stay the course, and not become discouraged when life hands us the lemons, or even when under attack. Perhaps the intimacy of His presence was the even more palpable take away – I invited Him in and He showed me yet again, that’s all it takes.

Shabbat shalom.
Diane