Sometimes you just need to bow your head, say a prayer and weather the storm.
As the polar vortex slipped over the United States, stores emptied shelves of nearly everything as residents braced for the bitter cold and blizzard conditions. But what about nature? How does nature brace for such a rare phenomenon? Are they caught by surprise, suddenly hapless and helpless, on the brink of consumption by the elements?
Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. ~ Abraham Lincoln
My friend, Sonya, and her husband positioned their bird feeders right in front of their kitchen window so they could enjoy casual close-up bird watching. In the barrage of the storm, their observations unexpectedly turned beyond casual. As the vortex hovered, Sonya grabbed her camera and captured these lovely creatures right in the midst of this horrendous storm. How would they fare? Would they survive? I think these stunning photos, taken through her window, need little explanation.
A good friend can shield you from the storm. ~ Rhea Olsen
Observe them carefully. Look at their stance, their stillness, their resolve.
“Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.” ~ Socrates
As Sonya peered through her window, I’m sure she had an inclination to run out and rescue them. But alas, she could not. She provided food, then watched as they used the instinctual abilities God built within them. They were bound together and stood firm against this treacherous storm.
Make note: They did not make any attempt to separate from one another. They stood together.
Could this be the same God does with us? Does He watch us weather storms, knowing He can rescue us at any time? Sometimes we wonder why He doesn’t. Didn’t He build into us resources inherent in human nature? Plus, we have His promise that just as He watches over His creatures, He watches over us with even more intensity.
One of His resources is the gift of friendship, so beautifully pictured here. There is a certain camaraderie among the birds. Oh, I’m sure they’ve pecked at each other over many petty things. Haven’t we all observed that? But when the storm hit, they clung together. 
Can we not learn a lesson from the birds? Yes, we may bicker and peck at each other from time to time. But just as the birds faced the storm together, so we must see the value of friends when the vortex rolls in.
So, find a friend and be a friend. You will need each other.
Because there will be storms, and you’ll never walk alone. 
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” ~ Matthew 6:25-27
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Window
Photo credits: Sonya, a personal friend of mine who will remain anonymous. Thank you, Sonya.
Thank you to Ms. Sprinkle Sparkles On for featuring this blog post. I encourage all to read this wonderful post that reminds us of how we need each other. It dovetails perfect.
SimplySage 
mssprinkle
/ January 12, 2014What a compelling composition of your vibrant writing, the arresting images, and provocative quotations! I don’t know how much time it took to do this, but thank you so much for the effort.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 12, 2014Thank you very much. So glad you enjoyed the writing. Your compliments mean a lot. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment as well as the follow.
Tina Schell
/ January 12, 2014Alexandria, this is one of my favorite of your posts ever. The photos are beautiful and compelling. That first capture is amazing – would that it were mine 🙂 And your text and quotes work perfectly – beautifully done!
Alexandria Sage
/ January 12, 2014Thanks, Tina. I totally agree with you about the pictures. When I saw my friend’s photos I immediately knew I had to do something with them. I think for her they were just random tries. I’m so glad the “windows” challenge coincided with the vortex and photos. It made the writing so much easier. I think because of the terrible storm the message resonates with many.
I’m honored it’s now your favorite.
Peace to you. Alexandria
The Retiring Sort
/ January 12, 2014Beautiful post, Alexandria – and well done, Sonya! 🙂
Alexandria Sage
/ January 12, 2014Thank you so much! I will pass this on to Sonya as well.
Marie Hunter Atwood
/ January 12, 2014I have been familiar with the scriptures and the thoughts (which have been so beautifully expressed) all of my life, but the pictures add such depth, such immediacy to what I knew.
Thank you so much for your wisdom in sharing.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 13, 2014These photos did the same thing for me with regard to that verse. I find it amazing the birds do not seem flustered at all. There is an element of trust and peace in the midst of that terrible storm. As always, our God gives us the greatest lessons from the nature surrounding us.
Island Traveler
/ January 13, 2014It feels good to know that we are not alone when we face those storms. Thanks for starting our year with words & visions of inspiration. Happy New Year.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 13, 2014I’m glad to be of encouragement. Happy New Year to you and your lovely family as well.
micey
/ January 13, 2014These are stunning. Just stunning. And your words, how much they applied to God and our storms. Thanks for this!
Alexandria Sage
/ January 15, 2014Your welcome. Glad it spoke to you.
Kathryn McCullough
/ January 14, 2014Great response to the challenge. I’m glad I missed that particular vortex. Well, guess I’m happy to miss most of them.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Alexandria Sage
/ January 15, 2014Thanks, Kathy. Be glad you missed it. Was terrible!
Gopi Chand narang
/ January 16, 2014AMAZING HOW HOW WONDERFUL THE IMAGES AND HOW THOUGHT PROVOKING WHAT THEY SPEAK TO US THROUGH THEIR SILENCE
Alexandria Sage
/ January 19, 2014Yes, they do. I hadn’t thought of it that way but they do speak to us through their silence. Thank you for pointing that out. Excellent observation.
Victoria
/ January 16, 2014Lovely shots, and prose.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 19, 2014Thank you and thanks for all the visits and taking the time to comment.
Victoria
/ January 22, 2014Oh, it was my pleasure, for sure!
NYC Fitness Family Finds
/ January 16, 2014such great reminder paired with perfect pictures ty
Alexandria Sage
/ January 19, 2014Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
Amy
/ January 18, 2014So very beautiful and inspiring, both words and photos, Alexandra!
Alexandria Sage
/ January 19, 2014Thank you, Amy. I’m glad you thought so.
pattisj
/ January 19, 2014Great photos, and inspirational words, too.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 19, 2014Thank you.
Luis Mendez
/ January 23, 2014gorgeous. i’ve see Red’s but never had a camera. whoa
Alexandria Sage
/ January 24, 2014Thank you.
Talya Tate Boerner
/ January 23, 2014Gorgeous photos.
Alexandria Sage
/ January 24, 2014Thank you, Talya. I looked over your blog. Awesome! How do I follow/subscribe? I am a lover of Dallas, too. 🙂
Subhan Zein
/ March 1, 2014Thank you very much for your lovely post. Again, I learn an invaluable lesson. Blessings and love to you ♥
Stephanie
/ April 18, 2015These have definitely increased my joy! I’m particularly in love with the plump robin on top–so much personality and fortitude and companionship packed into the relentless white of winter.