Devotional - Signs from Above
Sometimes life can get so busy and so crazy that it takes something big to bring you back to a place of
oneness with the Lord. Last Sunday I was on the way to church at Norman Lutheran with the girls and we saw a hot air balloon coming down to land in the field right next to us! Sydney was able to get a photo of it. It was so close we could see the people running out to help them land. We could feel the excitement they felt and it was beautiful. Growing up my dad Rich Burns flew hot air balloons. I have so many fun memories of being in the hot air balloon as well as being in the chase crew following the balloon and helping them land. I know I wasn’t much help as a little kid but I can still feel the excitement. It was so good to have a glimpse of that feeling again. My dad died in 2013 and I know this was a sign from above letting me know that he is still with me.
Then on the way to Davenport Lutheran we turned a corner and there was a huge beautiful bald eagle sitting on the road. We were probably only six feet apart. The eagle then took off with such power and beauty that we were in awe. My grandpa Arlo died in 2017 and he absolutely loved bald eagles. There are still beautiful photos of bald eagles at he and my grandma’s house. I know that this was a sign from above letting me know that he too is still with me.
Why last Sunday after so many years? I’m not sure, but what I do know is that it meant the world to me and grounded me when I was feeling a bit lost. Death is a part of life and Norman Lutheran Church has felt that in the recent deaths of Orlan Swenson and Agnes Liudahl. Two wonderful servants of the Lord that will be dearly missed by many. What brings us through these difficult times in life when we mourn our loved ones is the beauty of the knowledge of a loving God who brings us home to the paradise of heaven. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” And the words of Jesus in Luke 23:43, “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
If you are feeling lost, downhearted, or distant, look for signs from above or as I have heard Agnes would say, “Look up!” You are not alone; this life can be difficult but it can also be so very beautiful and full of love. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty around you and the love of God that surrounds you always.
Have a blessed day,
Intern Pastor Katie Kringstad
