Dove Resting

I was reminded this morning of an experience I had a year ago. It’s one of those experiences in which I did not fully grasp or assign meaning until further reflection. It seems these last two weeks my mind has been fixed on the Holy Spirit and his presence. Truthfully I do not completely understand the concept and it is very much a work in progress. However the recent reflection on the experience has given me more insight. On the morning before I was to give my final oral presentation to culminate my graduate studies, I found a dove peacefully resting on my car. During this particular season I had spent much of my time in the revelation of Jesus Christ but had missed a critical piece, the fulfillment of his promise to send the holy sprit to help us navigate the fiery trials of this life. Jesus said “ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”~ John 14: 26. My initial reactions to the Dove were fear and frustration. I stood a couple of feet back and sounded my car alarm thinking it would just fly away. The Dove remained unafraid of the sounds and peacefully lay on my car. At this point, I am getting ready to complete this two year long journey called graduate school and I am too afraid to get in the vehicle. Fear attempted to paralyze me and make me late for an event I waited two years to attend. Finally courage from within swelled up and I decided to walk towards the car. I thought for sure the bird would fly away but it still remained peaceful and content. Fortunately it happened to be lying on the passenger side, so I was able to get in. When I got in the Dove remained and looked me dead in the eyes. My natural human emotions had not recognized the treasure of this moment. I began to honk and wonder if something was really wrong. I turned the car on and it still remained. I backed out of the parking space and it still remained. After driving a few feet in the parking garage it finally spread its wings and ascended to the air. When I drove away I still had the image in my mind. After I completed my presentation the spirit led me to do more research. It is important to note that I did not know it was a Dove until hours after this encounter. I remembered that the bird had white tail feathers. Sure enough I discovered that it was indeed a Dove, which is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit. I realized that even through my ignorance the sprit was teaching me a lesson. It was at this moment that I became aware of the Sprit’s unique purpose to guide and instruct my steps. The Spirit was attempting to calm my fears and anxieties about my upcoming presentation. It was a symbol of peace, and had I been more vigilant could have provided comfort to my tattered nerves. The Dove should have been my example of calmness in the midst of sounding car alarms or in my case nervousness about the presentation. In the midst of all the chaos the Dove remained just as peaceful. How applicable this is right now. Nearly a year later and I face a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. I am thankful for the patience of the Spirit’s presence. I realize that I am an unwise sheep in constant need of a Shepard to guide and direct me besides still waters. One that overlooks my ignorance and is compassionate towards the limitations of my human mind. This Shepard is the spirit of the living Father and Christ dwelling within us guiding us through our seasons of sorrow, difficulty, joy, and excitement. Only through the work of the Holy Spirit are our eyes unblinded so that we are attune to those things and purposes God has ordained us to fulfill. It is only through his work do we realize our individual nothingness and God's complete authority. I am thankful that the Spirit never gives up even through complete and utter blunders. I am thankful that the Spirit bought me back to a moment of reflection, and did not let me flounce about my way. I am thankful the Spirit cares for stupid sheep to which in my own strength I qualify! Wishing everyone a Happy Monday and wonderful rest of the week!