Article February 25, 2013 Issue

Dry your wings

Cate Vincent

Each morning three cormorants perch on the edge of our lake. They stand perfectly still in the sunshine, wings outstretched, for perhaps a half hour, not moving. 

Some scientists argue this pose means the cormorants are “drying their wings,” others suggest the posture aids in digestion of the fish they’ve caught. Whatever this means, our family has begun to use “dry your wings” as our family password when things seem urgent, or discouraging, or out of kilter. We say this to help each other remember to be still, get our thoughts in line with God’s peace, and feel, actually feel, right here, right now, God’s presence. Mary Baker Eddy referred to the importance of stillness when she wrote, “Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 230). 

Generally, our family begins each morning with reading the Christian Science Bible Lesson—looking for a higher, spiritual meaning, praying, singing hymns, or simply sitting still, listening for God’s direction. 