There is a “burning bush” in my garden – an ancient callistemon tree which most of the year looks old and tired. But every now and again it bursts into bloom with a profusion of bright red bottle-brush blossoms.

These attract the birds to feed on its nectar – rainbow lorrikeets and honey eaters who swing from branch to branch, sometimes dangling upside down to access the honey and simultaneously screeching joyously.
Before the sun rises, both tree and birds are black in sillouette against the silvery sky but as daylight dawns, their brilliant colours are revealed in all their glory, as if to say “Here I am Lord!” I find it a good time to pray in simple wonder. My own sound and light show in the garden!

I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed. The kingdom of heaven is like a seed that starts off so small but gradually grows into a tree which becomes a haven of hospitality for all the birds of the air. They take shelter, resting and nesting in its branches and are periodically nourished with sweet honey when it flowers. A desire emerges. Would that my family and my Faber faith community could be such a place of welcome, rest and nurture before flying out into the world once more on mission.

Is there a burning bush attracting your attention right now?

Liz Kerr

Image by Marisa04 on Pixabay