Tap, Tap, Tap

If you attend the Saturday 5 p.m. Celtic Eucharist in the chapel, you have never heard the tap, tap, tap. If you attend the Sunday 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist in the sanctuary, we are collectively making so much noise that you may have never heard the tap, tap, tap. But if you attend the Sunday 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, you know exactly what I’m talking about. There is a beautiful bird, a spotted towhee, that perpetually taps on the sanctuary windows near the tabernacle. It’s loud, funny, distracting, and annoying—all at the same time!

Our facilities manager, Mike, explained to me that there is a reflective coating on those windows, so the bird is sparring with his reflection. But strangely, he taps on my office windows too. I remain a bit perplexed. Maybe we will never know why this bird perpetuates his behavior. So, instead, let’s dream one up!

When I hear the tap, tap, tap, I’m going to consider it a reminder from the natural world that God is always tapping me on the shoulder. God is saying: Don’t get distracted. Keep your focus on me. Follow me. Don’t forget me, not even for a moment. Make me the center of your life. Love me and love one another as I love you.

With this reframing, our little friend is a divine gift. Tap, tap, tap. Will you join me in imagining him in this new way? 

Mother Nina+