One of my dear friends gave me a beautiful feather after my mom died. Feathers, especially a white feather, are signs that our loved ones are watching over us. When a feather is found, unexplainably, on the ground, it is supposed to be a reminder of our loved one in heaven and a symbol of their presence with us even in death. It is a comforting symbol. I keep this beautiful reminder in my kitchen window where I see it multiple times a day and it reminds me of my mom.

Yesterday my devotional was about feathers but looked at them in a different way. The scripture that accompanied the short devotional was Psalm 91:4:

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge: his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (New International Version)

What a comforting image this is to me on this particularly rainy and dreary day. As I watch the Buffleheads on our little lake I can imagine them covering their babies with their wings, pulling them in close to keep them safe from the dangers of the world and protecting them. I truly believe that that is what God does for us during times of sadness and uncertainty, heartache and anxiety. He pulls us in under his sheltering wings and infuses us with strength and gives us the rest that we may so need.

So today, when you face a storm, feel some anxiety and are worried about tomorrow, take comfort in knowing that the feathers of love and protection are there to take solace in. The next time you see a feather be reminded not only of your loved ones who have left the earth but also think of your loving Creator who yearns to cover you and hold you close.