Halcyon Days

The halcyon is a seabird that nests by the shore, laying its eggs in the sand, and bringing forth its young in the middle of winter when the sea beats against the land in violent and frequent storms. But during the seven days the halycon broods-- for it takes but seven days to hatch its young-- all winds sink to a rest, and the sea grows calm. And as it is then in need of food for its young ones, the most bountiful God grants this little creature another seven days of calm; that it may feed its young.

Since all sailors know of this, they give this time the name of the halcyon days.

These things are ordered by the Providence of God for the creatures that are without reason, that you may be led to seek of God the things you need for your salvation.

And when, for this small bird, He holds back the great and fearful sea, and bids it be calm in winter, what will he not do for you made in His own image?

And if he should so tenderly cherish the halcyon, how much more will He not give you, when you call upon Him with all your heart?

~ St Basil the Great

~*~

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over lifes tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

Though the sea be smooth and bright,
Sparkling with the stars of night,
And my ships path be ablaze
With the light of halcyon days,
Still I know my need of Thee;

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will,
When Thou sayest to them, Be still!
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.