The computer screen started up, loading the pixels to create an image of two faces I hadn’t expected to see that night. As our voices connected over electronic waves across the Atlantic Ocean, the younger of the two faces chirped cheerfully.
“Miss Lydia, can I tell you about a verse I found in my Bible today during Sunday School?”
How could I not do anything but say yes with sugar on top?!
And she read. Her little courageous voice that is wise beyond her years spoke straight to my heart.
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.Job 39:13
Then mom chimed in.
“Honey, do you know what that means?”
“No, mommy, but it is really silly”
“You know what I think is silly about it? That an ostrich can’t fly, but he flaps his wings in joy anyways, just like the majestic stork”
I’ve felt like an ostrich lately. Long legged and awkward, not able to fly like every other bird. I’m talking about learning French. Everyone around me seems to have words drip beautifully out of their mouths, able to connect with others, share a laugh and get past the smile and kisses on the cheek in greeting.
I am also talking about the redefinition of me and my personality. There is nothing I like better than a room full of people, speaking words of encouragement, sharing a laugh, giving a hug and singing to my Savior in a language I understand. But here that is all different. It is stretching me in big ways. I have been called shy already and I know my confidence in my language skills is quite low. I try to hum along to the worship songs at best and I stand in the corner, wanting so desperately to talk to each person in the room.
But the ostrich flaps in joy. And the joy of the Lord is my strength. Despite the others looking graceful around me, I am choosing to stand here, on the ground and flap with joy and confidence. I’ll do my best and pray that my joy speaks volumes, even if my words can’t express it yet. But dear friends, I need prayers. Prayers to be the most joyful ostrich France has ever seen.
And you never know what a skype call with a seven year old little girl will do. Oh, to have the wonder and faith of a child.