Yesterday I was sitting in a chair facing a large window and looking outside while talking to a friend on the phone. The bright red of a cardinal caught my eye as it flew and then perched on the branch of a nearby tree. About two seconds later, a female cardinal arrived and alighted on a branch a few inches from the male cardinal. Although it is my understanding that cardinals live year round in the area where I live, I rarely see them, which made this special. It was special too that they stayed in the tree for several minutes so I could enjoy watching them.
I appreciate life’s small surprises, and this was one. When birds catch my eye, in addition to the enjoyment of seeing them, I also think of the symbolism of birds in dreams: they symbolize the soul. When we are reminded of our soul, we are reminded that we were created by the Creator, and for that reason each of us matters and we are loved. And also that we need to try to discern the purposes for which we were created by listening to our inner voice and endeavoring to live according to its guidance.
Seeing the cardinals and noticing how they remained several minutes before flying away made me curious to learn the symbolism of cardinals in particular. By doing some research, I learned that cardinals are believed to be representatives of loved ones who have passed away, and that their presence shows us that they are always with us. Learning this touched my heart, because my mother passed away about a month ago. I also had the thought that perhaps the other cardinal represented my father, who passed away 14 years ago, stopping by to show me he is with me too.
Loved ones are also with us in our memories. I’m thankful for memories I have of times with my parents and with other people I have known who have completed their earthly journeys.