It was amazing to me that Peter had such energetic stamina with all the travel he already had under his belt with his work that week. He arrived as excited as a little boy when he came to the front door to let me know he and our little Cotton were home! We went out to the car in stealth mode, as much as you can while handling a light gray metal cage and its wheeled bottom pedestal - and conscientiously brought Cotton in completely covered. We began to set things up quietly and carefully to not disturb Cotton, and as much as possible, the neighbors and our unsuspecting furbabies.

Once settled we checked on him and he was as sweet and cute as could be. He was sitting tall and perfectly still on one of the wooden perches with his white feathers almost glowing in the ambient lighting. He softened in his posture hearing Peter’s voice welcoming him home. We made sure he had everything he needed: fresh water, food, and lots of sweet soft words, and gave him a little time to acclimate with the soft lights still on. He was okay but knew he wasn’t “in Kansas anymore.” Kaiyah, not being a watchdog of sorts but still very much a real dog, stayed totally sound asleep. The kitties however, both definitely watch-cats, were aware something was up and attentively observed. And yes, we were greeted by the official Pumpkin Roll. Plus we were welcomed by the modest trumpeting of the meows from Gideon along with his new body flop which was so cute to see from such a big boy. Peter confirmed arrival with Nicole and then quietly let everyone in our residence know that Cotton was home. We said prayers and praises to the Lord and “tucked” everyone, including ourselves, in bed for some much needed sleep.

The next day would be a curious and wondrous first time together for all of us. Cotton’s presence was already ministering to me. In the hush of the morning I quietly reconsidered many Passages found in the Word of God regarding feathers and wings, birds and things. Each one stirred my heart. I found a renewed comforting peace in the many Verses revealing and wanting us to know that God is always waiting to cover us under His Wings and care for us along life’s road. A Message of Invitation Papa God knew I will always need and need to respond to. I was reminded of our need to go to Him and how often He, in His Great Compassion and Merciful Faithfulness, longingly desires to gather us to Himself as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Even knowing many of us would be unwilling; He has not, does not and will not force us….ever. Love never forces. Jesus spoke those Words with an extremely broken heart over Jerusalem, and I believe through all ages, and will continue to say to us until the very end. Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” I believe that is a Heart Cry of God for all of humanity.

Today many still persecute those living and proclaiming the Word of God, and those that are reaching out with the message of God’s Redeeming Salvation, the Message and Invitation that has not changed since the beginning of time. And sadly many are still rejecting the Loving God who has Made all things and choose not to come to Him. Heavenly Father doesn’t want to lose one of us to the evil, sin, and danger that only He can deliver us from. There is no power, fallen or faithful angel, person including ourselves, government, church, organization, ritual, tradition, or work that can fill or substitute Who God IS or His Plan of Salvation, He alone is the Great I AM… there are no proxies.

To me, that Scripture is one of the most profoundly sorrowful Passages in the Word of God expressing how much love Jesus has for us and longs to Protect us, to Be our Shield from danger, and Provide us a safe place to rest and abide. Jesus wants us to know that secret, covert place, under the shadow of His Wings, will be only found in and with Him. Oh that we would go to Him and let Him be that for us…. And stay there…. Psalm 91:1-3 says this beautifully: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His Feathers, and under His Wings shalt thou trust: His Truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

The morning sunshine filled our home. At just the right moment Peter unveiled Cotton to our small world. Peter carefully lifted his cage cover sheet, continuing Cotton’s long established wake-up routine, for all of us to see our precious cockatiel. Our brave little Cotton had such a sleepy face and seemed to slowly take it all in as he aroused from his rest. Adorable would be an understatement to describe him... Kaiyah in her gentle demure way began with a polite silent pass by the cage with a short pause, looked up at Cotton sitting quietly on his perch looking at her. She had an expression of "how did you get here?" I’m not sure if Cotton knew exactly how to explain it as he couldn’t say he flew. There was recognition though... Then Kaiyah steadily found her way to the sliding door to go out and ran friskity all over the lawn. I’m not sure what she thought but whatever it was she was pretty excited and seemed happy.

When she came in she was again quiet in her navigations of the home and Cotton’s cage. Gideon and Pumpkin were content. They made a point to sit and look at Cotton before continuing to move about and also being respectful in their engagements. After greeting the day and officially announcing the newest family member, our adventure collectively began thanks to Our Heavenly Father’s Covert Operation and the “covert operation” that brought us all together safe and sound and with much to learn of Him and each other.

…Until we meet again…