Creatures Great and Small

As a Pastor of two small rural churches that are located 36 miles apart, I spend a lot of time on the road.  This evening I had to travel to the one that is 36 miles away for meetings that were being held.  I always wonder just exactly what I will see on my journey.  Fortunately I have never hit anything, but I have had a few close calls.  One morning I topped a hill to discover a calf in the middle of my lane.  I stopped and honked to move him off the road and he didn't seem to want to go anywhere, so I got out of the car and chased him into the ditch so hopefully no one else would hit him either.  A few weeks ago I had a fox cross the road in front of me, that was a surprise and a delight.  Another time I saw an eagle soaring overhead.  I've had hawks and owls swoop down in front of me to capture the little field mice that like to cross the road.  I've seen a few snakes and lots of turtles, turkeys, grouse and deer.  I of course see cows and horses because I live in ranch country, but this evenings sighting surprised me a little, I came over a hill and there on the edge of the highway stood a badger.  I haven't seen a badger in years, and so I had to slow down to make sure that's what I was really seeing.  He flattened out and scurried off the road when I came close.  In an attempt to curb my curiosity about the animals, I did a little research online and discovered that badgers are a part of the weasel family and that there are nine species of badger.  Who knew?  I sure didn't!  But now I do and it was fun taking time to discover more information about one of God's smaller creatures.  God is so creative and I thank Him for his beautiful creation every day.

New Discovery

I was out for my morning walk and strolled past a neighbors home where the marigold's are beautiful.  Shades of yellow, white, orange and red all mingled together in a carpet of blooms.  I also noticed an archway covered in vines that hinted at another section of the yard.  I could just glimpse some pretty pink flowers and I was tempted to step up into the yard to take a peek because this area looked so inviting and yet mysterious at the same time.  Inviting because of it's beauty, mysterious because I couldn't quite see everything - I could see just enough to pique my interest and make me want to discover more.  I did remind myself that it was not my yard and that I shouldn't step into another person's yard without being invited; but I was also reminded that spending time with God should be like my desire to check out this quiet, mysterious, yet inviting section of my neighbor's yard.  God invites me to spend some quiet time with him every day and just linger in the mystery of faith and salvation.  So then I started wondering:  Have I set aside a place in my own yard, or in my home that is inviting and would make someone passing by want to "step inside" and discover what is there?  And if by chance they did step inside would the things they discover hold their attention and keep them there long enough for them to experience God and his majesty?  Hhhhmmmm - good questions to ponder.  I think I have some work to do to make an inviting and intriguing place not only for myself, but to capture the attention of others so they can discover the mystery of God for themselves.  I love it when a new idea is borne out of my morning walk with God.  Thanking and praising God for the awe of a new discovery. 

Fall is in the Air

Fall, Autumn, whatever you want to call it I love the season.  The cooler temperatures are most welcome.  Others may not appreciate them, but I love the crisp air or a cool morning.  The warm cup of coffee or cappucinno that accompanies me to my chair for morning devotion time, not only tastes great but warms the hands as well.  The beautiful orange "harvest moon" that graced the eastern horizon a few nights ago was a beautiful sight to see; I'm not sure how the moon can look 4 times the normal size and be that orange, but it happens every fall, and I marvel at the occurance every time.  Many have delivered garden produce that will soon be no more, at least not until next summer; as the cold nights are starting to take their toll on the plants and vines of this season.  The grasses on the hillsides have started to change colors, there you will see shades of pink, orange, and yellow.  The leaves have begun their change as well, yellows, reds, and oranges; there are patches of sumac that I love to watch as they change to a vibrant red.  The grouse, pheasant, deer and turkey have all started to move around again (be careful on the roads).  I've even seen small flocks of birds moving in from the north as they begin their journey south for the winter.  The bees and butterflies are really working over the flowers that are still blooming to get all the remaining drops of nectar.  The crab apple tree in the front yard is dropping apples in large numbers creating some work to rake them all up; but I don't mind because I get the chance to be outside on the beautiful blue sky days where the temperature is at a comfortable level.  The grass needs mowed maybe one more time before it goes dormant.  All of this marks off another season - seasons set in place by God.  Yes time does go by, but we can relish in the fact that even in the passing of time God is present for it is God's design.  Enjoy the season!