I know this isn’t a red cardinal, but this is Karl, my youngest’s delightful pet who reminds us of a modern-day Garfield. Every day, he perches here, eagerly looking out the window, excitedly waiting for the charming red cardinals that visit our porch to greet us. Most of the time, I find myself rushing to the window with my camera, hoping to capture their beauty. I just love those moments! On this particular day, I was fortunate enough to catch them on film. Karl always makes the sweetest noises and seems to dream of going outside to play with them, but he’s an inside cat, and we cherish all the cuddly moments we share inside together.

Cardinals are associated with peace, especially in their quiet, unhumid movements. The Bible speaks of the peace that comes from being in God’s presence, offering comfort and stillness. There are 4 verses that remind me of the peace that only God can provide.

Philippians 4:7: “Then you’ll experience in God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

God’s peace surpasses my human understanding, guarding my heart and my mind. Much like the calmness of seeing a cardinal in nature, His peace is both – steady and profound, offering me inner tranquility regardless of life’s storms. When I am connected to Christ, I have been told that we will experience this unshakeable peace.

Isaiah 26:3: “You’ll keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all those thoughts are fixed on you!”

God promises a perfect peace to everyone who focuses on Him. Cardinals, with their gentle and calming presence, reminding me to quiet my mind and center my thoughts on God, where true peace resides. By trusting in Him, I am shielded from anxiety and filled with His calming presence.

Psalm 23:2: “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful storms.”

Jesus offers me His peace as a gift, one that the world can’t replicate. In times of fear, I can rest in His peace, secure in His love and presence. The cardinals’ presence brings me comfort while reminding me of the steady, unwavering peace that Jesus provides admist the uncertainties of life.

John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift – a peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world can’t give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.”

This past Sunday I had learned (at church) that God speaks to us in wonderfully diverse ways, usually through gentle signs that surround us or a little voice in my head. I will admit – sometimes I listen to that little voice or pay more attention of things going on around me and sometimes I don’t and I brush everything off. But with the numerous visits from the vibrant red cardinals, I started to feel like this is more like a personal message, a beautiful reminder that peace is not just a distant goal but a present reality that I can embrace. Each sighting has become a comforting nudge from God, assuring me that He is the source of the tranquility that I have been seeking this past year. In those moments, I have felt a deep connection to the divine, affirming that I am not alone in my journey; rather, I am enveloped in a profound peace that’s been waiting for me all along.