We have a pair of light gray mourning doves in our yard every Spring and Summer. Beautiful, graceful birds that mate for life and I love watching them every day. A couple of years ago a second pair showed up and they’ve continued to come back as well. It’s been said that the dove represents the peace of the Lord.

When Noah & his family were waiting for the flood waters to recede so they could leave the ark, it was a dove that Noah released from an opening of the boat. Genesis 8:11 (ESV) tells us, “And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.” I imagine that Noah not only felt God’s peace that day, I think he must have also received a good dose of hope!

So, when I saw the doves in my yard, I thanked God for His peace and hope in my life. Do you know that almost every morning since I have seen at least one of those doves as I am leaving the house? It reminds me to thank God again for His gift of peace. I call it a Godwink. Just a little sign from Him that He is with me and I am in His care. Have you witnessed a Godwink recently? If you ask Him to, I believe that He will. It might even come in the form of a dove!