A Backyard Full of Peace
Deb and I have been trying to get rid of some birds
in our backyard. That might seem a bit odd since we
spent a lot of money on birdfeeders and seed to attract
birds to our backyard. For weeks now the feeders have
been emptied almost daily by a flock of White Winged
Doves. We have thought of them as a nuisance because
they seem to deter more colorful and interesting birds
like Cardinals and Finches. We have even tried to buy
feed that the doves would not like, but still they come
in flocks everyday to our backyard.
The other morning as I was sitting on our back porch sipping a cup of coffee watching all those doves in our yard it occurred to me that doves are a symbol of peace. In the biblical tradition Noah sends out a dove to determine if the flood is over and the dove brings back an olive branch as a sign of God’s love and forgiveness. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove proclaiming his beloved status as God’s child.
In Greek mythology the dove is a symbol of love and renewal of life while in Japan a dove carrying a sword is a symbol for the end of war. There was a belief in Europe that if a dove was flying around the home of a dying person their soul would be at peace.
So, I have changed my mind about the doves. Instead of trying to get rid of them I am welcoming them. They have reminded me that so often I miss peace in my life because I am looking for something more exotic. In this time of war and strife throughout our world peace may seem like a rare bird, but in reality peace is all around us if we will take the time to look. If we will take the time to believe that peace keeps showing up regardless of what we feed it then surely it will be there in some of the most common ways.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) I believe Jesus was able to say those words because of that dove that settled on him so long ago at his baptism, assuring him that he was beloved of God. That same dove of the Holy Spirit reminds us too that we are God’s beloved.
These days I am thankful to have so many wings of peace in my backyard!
Peace,
Mona