This afternoon, my husband called me to the window and pointed toward the sheltering shrubs we planted for the birds.

They provide a gathering spot for birds of all varieties, offering them a place to perch and protection from the Cooper’s hawks that sometimes pursue them.

It took only a moment to spot the striking orange and black plumage of our first Baltimore oriole visitor of the season. The eye-catching male orioles arrive in advance to claim their territory and await the arrival of the female about a week later.

We’ve also been treated to handsome Mr. Cardinal and his mate and clusters of bright yellow goldfinches flitting around the thistle seed tubes. Their brilliant colors provide a welcome contrast to the gray skies accompanying the spring rains watering our region.

Cloudy skies are frequent in this area of the Great Lakes. Why do they often look gray?

Interestingly, clouds are made up of billions of tiny water droplets that are illuminated by the sun’s light. Depending on the cloud’s size and composition, it blocks some of the light from passing through to the other side, so we essentially see a shadow.

I am reminded of a flight out of Wyoming that we took a few years ago. We had a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the farmland below — it spread out like a checkered quilt of muted green and gold squares. Every so often, a ribbon-like road sliced through to connect with a small village or town.

The surrounding blue skies were clear, except for a smattering of clouds randomly scattered about. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the day for those below us except for anyone located under a cloud’s cover. The exact shape of the cloud was projected beneath in a muted gray, effectively blocking the sun’s rays from reaching them.

I remember thinking how striking the contrast was between those who were under the clouds in comparison to those who were going about their day illuminated by the sun’s light.

That so readily provides a spiritual application for our lives.

Jesus often used nature as a practical example to explain important truths.

Our minds can become clouded with thoughts that literally block us from being able to see circumstances clearly or being honest with ourselves. Instead, we live under a cloud of self-imposed “grayness,” missing out on what is available just outside the shadow of our limited thinking.

We can be held captive by negativity, destructive thought patterns and attitudes, even generational family habits that we have taken on as our own and never questioned.

“This is just my Irish temper.” Or, “Our family doesn’t show our emotions — never have, never will.” “I’m just not good at giving compliments. No one in my family is.” “I always see the glass half empty, not half full. It’s just the way I am.”

Many are familiar with Pigpen, a character in the popular comic strip “Peanuts.” Pigpen is known for his perpetual dirtiness and is portrayed with a cloud of dust swirling around him as he goes through his day.

Is it possible to live with a cloud of swirling “dust” enveloping our internal environment? Absolutely. Many of us unconsciously do.

Why does that matter? Jesus said that, out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks.

In Proverbs 4:20-23, King Solomon pens this: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it?

It may not seem like it, but we can choose what we allow to occupy our thoughts. The Apostle Paul explains that, with God’s help, we are to “take our thoughts captive” and bring them into obedience to his truths (2 Corinthians 10:5-7).

And, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2).”

That can seem like an impossible task, but, with God’s strength, we can change our thought life.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things … And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6-9).”

Michelle Smith serves alongside her husband, Gary, as part of the leadership team of New Life Christian Fellowship. She founded Purely Women Ministries with the purpose of helping women of all ages discover their true identity as women of God. She can be reached at michelle@newlifealpena.org.