The cardinal threw his head back and sang. Bathed in a ray of sunlight breaking through the young foliage of spring, his song lifted to the heavens, its melody surely praising his Creator. I gazed at his brilliance in the soft morning light, lost in the wonder of his beauty. My heart, bittersweet and heavy-laden with burdens, yearned to be free like this beautiful, crimson creature in the apple tree.
Bittersweet: Salt and Honey
As the cardinal’s song wafted over the mountain hollar, I too was inspired to praise. I lifted my head towards the One who loves me and began to sing, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty …Peace settled on my troubled heart. Sensing the warmth of the Lord’s embrace, I continued to sing, Early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee …
A tear escaped, trickling down and mixing with the song of praise on my lips — bittersweet: salt and honey.
Isn’t that how life is? Especially for the child of God? Life is hard, yet our Lord makes the bitterness sweet with His presence, His love, His grace, and peace. Our salty tears give way to His Truth and blend with the luscious honey of His Word, His presence … His mercy and grace.
My bittersweet praise continued, Only Thou art holy, merciful and mighty. God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
Lord, receive my praise, I prayed.
I opened my eyes to see a burst of crimson feathers lifting from the apple tree and mounting up toward the sun. My spirit leaped with desire to soar too — to climb above the fray of this old earth and rest in the promises and love of the Lord. The pains of difficulty clutched at my soul, but I sensed the Lord giving my spirit wings to rise.
As the rays of sunlight warmed my face, I touched my lips, sure that I could taste the luscious sweetness of honey while I basked in the Spirit’s glow. As promised, He inhabited my early morning praise. In His great faithfulness, the Lord lifted my head, eased my burdens, and made my salty tears sweet.
You are holy, Lord, and worthy to be praised
I smiled and continued to sing, Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty. All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea …
The cardinal returned to the apple tree, and I sipped on my warm cup of coffee. Both of us were now ready to start our day.
Selah
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down, and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
