God has a way of getting my attention.  He got it yesterday.  I am visiting my son and babysitting my grandkids.   I took the kids outside to get some fresh air and they decided to ride their bikes and scooters.  It wasn't long before the Georgia heat and humidity became oppressive and they had enough.  My granddaughter went to take her bike back to the garage.  She came flying out seconds later yelling, “GiGi, there's a hummingbird in the garage!   Thus began a process to set the captive free.


I love hummingbirds.  It amazes me how something so small can move so quickly.  You can blink your eyes and they're gone.   Not this time.   The poor little thing was so confused and frantic as he tried to find a way out.  He found his way to a window and kept flying into it.  He could see freedom on the other side but couldn't figure out how to get there.  We were at a loss how to help him.


My son came home from work and we explained what was going on.  He tried his best to coax the little bird toward the open door but to no avail. 


It was then I decided to do what I usually do…I went to Google. Believe it or not, some guy made a YouTube video on “How To Get A Hummingbird Out Of Your Garage “  Long story short, we had to wait until the hummingbird wore himself out.  We watched him literally collapse and fall onto a shelf but it was then my son was able to gently pick him up and set him free.  We all cheered as he flew away.


As I was reliving this memory today, it hit me big time how much I could relate on a personal level.  There have been many times I have felt trapped by circumstances and emotions where I couldn't find my way out.  I would frantically try anything and everything to find the open door.   I could see freedom but something stood between us.  It wasn't until I exhausted all my strength that I made it to the other side.  I didn't walk and I didn't run…I was gently carried.   God picked me up and carried me through the open door so I could spread my wings and fly.  It's called surrender.   


It's happened more times than I can count and it's happening as I speak.  I fight it every time and I think it's because I'm afraid it won't work out the way I want it to yet it's always the right way.   


“Lord, let me get to the end of myself sooner and put everything in Your hands.  Help me to trust You from the onset and help me remember all the times You have brought me through.  Thank you for all the times You have picked me up and carried me, even now, and thank you for the gift of freedom.  Amen”




By Eileen Glotfelty May 23, 2026
Are you one of those people who like to read the end of the story before finishing the book? This morning I've been sitting here feeling overwhelmed by life. There are things that are out of my control and a lot of uncertainty. For someone who likes to have a plan, it's my worst nightmare. God's word says that He finishes what He starts and He will complete the good work in me (Philippians 1:6 NIV). I struggle with that when I can't see the finish line. God's word also says He's the Alpha and the Omega which means He is the beginning and the end (Rev 22:13 NIV). To me, that means that He sees it all. He knew where I would be on any given day. He knew my circumstances before I did, but unlike me, He's not worrying and overcome with anxiety because He sees the end. So, once again, I have a choice to make. I can sit here overwhelmed because I can't see the way out, or, I can trust the One who can. Will I choose hope or despair? This leads me to faith which is choosing to believe even though we can't see the outcome. I had to ask myself where I was putting my faith. Hope and faith work together. No amount of striving can earn them. Each one of us has access to them. All we have to do is ask the One who freely gives. Jesus, I know you've written my story and You know how it ends. Everything in this life is temporary. Even though I can't see the end, help me to rest in the fact that You do and I can trust You with my life.
By Eileen Glotfelty May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.
By Eileen Glotfelty April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.