Am I in the right place?

Christmas with all its celebrations and people was over and I had enjoyed a few days of my own company. I am happy with friends and family, and I am also happy alone. But in these few days between Christmas and New Year I was surprised the question had even arisen in my mind.

I was happy.

Wasn’t I?

I had answered God’s call with joy when He nudged me to move and promised me a future I had never dreamt of.

Hadn’t I?

So why the question?

I mulled it over for a while.

I had no doubts about moving, or selling my beloved home and buying a new one that I was growing to love just as much.

It was a no-brainer.

Wasn’t it?

So why this sense of restlessness? Of uncertainty?

I shook off the thoughts and feelings. The sun had come out after a day of fleeting clouds and I decided to walk. Sitting around was not helping me.

I climbed the hill to the highest part of the village and paused to enjoy the amazing view. It is beyond description, this view, and changes every time I see it.

I strolled down the hill again, taking the time to appreciate the trees and gardens and the blue lagoon stretched out ahead of me.

Down, down, into the small park in the valley. Here there are venerable trees, shade and inviting paths.

What made me turn left instead of right towards my home?

I wandered along the little path that meandered through a minute wood. I heard the rustle in the bushes that alerted me to the presence of a bird. Not wanting to disturb it, but hoping to see it I continued for a couple of metres further then stopped and turned, expecting to see a starling or a dove.

God speaks to me through birds.

As I searched the bush, here she came.

A Knysna lourie*.

Glorious with her post-box red wings at full stretch, her bright green feathers flashing in the dappled sunlight, she glided towards me.

I gasped in amazement and joy. And as I watched her land in the tree above me I saw she was followed by another – and another – and another.

Not one lourie, but four.

They go by the name of turaco now – but I have known and loved them as louries for many years and that is what they are and probably always will be to me.

As I gazed up into the branches listening for their call that spoke of the coast to me and all the memories the sound evoked, it was as if God was saying, “Here is a taste of the blessings I have in store for you, here in this place in the year ahead.”

And I knew then the answer to my unexpected question.

Am I in the right place?

Oh yes. For God assures me I am. And my heart sang in gratitude to my God who showers an avalanche of blessing over me – past, present and future.