birds walking and men fishing

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The local pond shows the recent transformation from winter hibernation to spring living.  Every physical sense is impressed with the change...the air smells fresher and carries the fragrance of new plants and tree growth.  The pond is coated with a dusting of pollen and the finned pond dwellers are pleased to kiss the surface to savor insect treats.  There were more large birds this morning than have been seen in a long time: eagles, osprey, great heron all swooping over the water.  It was a special treat to watch two osprey fly purposefully over the water, fold their wings into a tight "W" and dive to snare a fish.  They pulled away, resembling a warplane with a bomb attached beneath, as they clutched the fish in their talons and returned to dine in the trees.  It occurred to me that the osprey accomplished in seconds what a human fisherman might take hours to do, to catch, prepare and eat a fish breakfast.  And, of course, the osprey did something no man can do by flying to accomplish the mission.  We may be the ultimate living creation that God fashioned and we have a unique capacity to know our Creator...but we can't fly and we can't fish like that osprey!  On the other hand, as I began writing this thought I glanced out the window and watched two large black birds in my front yard strutting around for bugs to eat in the grass.  A large bird can be graceful in flight, but awkward in walking.  The impressive body is balanced on two bony legs that cause it to wobble as it moves over the ground.  Birds can walk and men can fish but you really appreciate the beauty of God's design when the creature shows the strong points of that design.  I think that the beauty of Man is best displayed when he is in close relation to the living God.  There is a tenderness of living, a gracefulness in action, and a sincerity of interest in others that displays the eternal bond between Maker and man and is unmatched by any other living being.  It is a beautiful thing to behold a man walking in love with the Lord.

 

Psalm 63:⁷ Because You have been my help,
         Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
 ⁸ My soul follows close behind You;
         Your right hand upholds me.

 

blessings,

Rob Smith