The other day there was a blue jay on the bush outside my window. He perched on a branch, even though the wind was howling. He did not seem to be taking the gales personally, but simply fluffed his feathers and sat. I don't even think I can use wording as strong as "he was waiting the storm out" because that would imply that he
was wishing things were different than they were. Which he wasn't.
I on the other hand get my feathers ruffled for an entirely different reason. I expend energy before, during, and after a bout of weather. If the news looks dire, I obsessively check for updates, stock up on bread, and imagine worst case scenarios. Three years later I am still talking about it, shaking my head at the fallen tree branches and power outages we
endured.
The snow, or the wind, or the rain are all inconveniences that should know better than to drop themselves on my parade. My egocentricity goes so far as to zero in on my corner of the weather map, giving scant attention to the precipitation in Arkansas, or Portland.
God has assured me that He is caring for the birds, and for me. It does not mean that they blue jays will never be cold, nor that I will escape discomfort. But
stewing about it is optional.
Marriage is rife with opportunities for discontent. Our spouse is uncommunicative, or too distant, lazy, or critical. Yet that need not rob me of the freedom to be content.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the
hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
-Matthew 10
Those who trust in the Divine are altogether different. Though concerned about the
morrow, yet are they unconcerned, in that they are not anxious, let alone worried, when they give thought to the morrow. They remain even-tempered whether or not they realize desires, and they do not grieve over loss; they are content with their lot. If they become wealthy they do not become infatuated with wealth; if they are promoted to important positions they do not consider themselves worthier than others. If they become poor they are not made miserable either; if lowly in status they do
not feel downcast. They know that for those who trust in the Divine all things are moving towards an everlasting state of happiness, and that no matter what happens at any time to them, it contributes to that state.
-Heavenly Secrets 8478, Emanuel Swedenborg
