They Came Back
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 (ESV)
Quietly I sat at my writing desk waiting for some inspiration or something to spike my interest. I watched crows searching for corn in the field, squirrels at the feeders and excited chipmunks chasing each other around the tree trunks at high speeds. All of it was amusing and I was thankful that I could see this on a rainy day.
But then…there were bird calls that I had not heard for a long time. They came back…the blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, and a pretty, little titmouse. It was like a tourist bus let them all out here in front of the house. The noise was raucous. I am not sure that the quieter critters found it very positive, but they all found food and spoke to each other in bird language.
And then came the big buck (8 points). He stepped right up to the feeder and had a snack. I can’t tell you where the other birds went but I am certain that they were watching the seed supply diminish.
All this to share my joy that they have come back for the winter. We provide good food and water. Our cats watch from the window but pose no threat. They are safe.
Are we capable of this? When we’ve been off the grid for a while, do we joyfully return to the Father’s arms? While we might feel shame, guilt, or embarrassment, He simply nods and holds out His loving arms.
He cares about each of us. He knows where we have been and what we have done. And as prodigals prone to wander, He even meets us halfway. No words are necessary to convey His eternal message. We simply feel it.
Perhaps it might be better if we stayed closer to home!
There are so many life-lessons that nature teaches us. I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Gracious God, we thank You for bringing us home! Your love is all we really need. Teach us not to wander away from You. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston