Take a deep breath in…
and let it out slowly.
Again — breathe in God’s presence…
and exhale anything that’s trying to distract you.
This weekend, I had a moment that stayed with me. I was preparing a communion meditation on peace
From the corner of my eye, I saw something large land on my deck..
A great blue heron landed right outside my window.
I took a quick photo ….
It was tall, calm, steady — and then, just as quietly as it arrived, it lifted its wings and flew away.
But its presence… stayed with me.
I always study symbolism. So I went down the rabbit hole of learning what they symbolize.
It blew my mind.
Herons are known for stillness, balance, patience, and a kind of quiet confidence.
And I believe God sometimes sends creation to preach a small sermon to us.
So today I invite you into a meditation shaped by the lessons of the heron
1. Stillness
Herons can stand in one place for a long time, unmoving.
What would it look like for you to let your soul be still?
Take a deep breath…
Let the world slow down…
Let your shoulders soften…
Let your spirit rest in God’s presence.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Breathe in…
Breathe out…
2. Patience and Timing
A heron never rushes.
It waits for the right moment.
It trusts that what it needs will come
Where is God inviting you to practice patience?
Where is God asking you to trust the timing — not your timing, but God’s
Hold that gently before the Lord.
3. Peace and Inner Calm
Herons move with a quiet peace, even when the water beneath them is shifting.
God, give us that kind of peace —
a peace that doesn’t depend on what’s happening around us,
a peace that lives on the inside,
a peace that holds us steady when life feels messy or loud.
Place your hand over your heart…
and breathe deeply.
4. Confidence and Identity
Herons walk their own path.
They stand tall.
They move with grace.
They don’t try to be anything other than what God created them to be.
Where do you need to reclaim confidence?
Where do you need to walk in the truth of who God says you are?
Ask God to restore your confidence, your clarity, your courag
God, thank You for the quiet reminders You send through Your creation.
Thank You for using even a moment — a bird landing on a deck — to remind us of stillness, peace, patience, and identity.
May we carry the spirit of the heron into this week:
steady, grounded, unhurried, and full of the peace that comes from You.