Restored, Not Tamed
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 (NIV)
It is rare that we see owls here in our area. We can hear them sometimes as they call back and forth but that is about it. When an owl is spotted, word goes out quickly and every photographer within three counties is on scene. Glenda Ferguson (All God’s Creatures) shares a wonderful story about healing the injury, not their nature.
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I was so close I could see the individual tan spots on the female barn owl’s chest feathers. When I glanced up, I was staring into her heart-shaped face and wide dark eyes. Perhaps not the wisest action I’ve ever taken, but the handler had secured the raptor on her arm. This was a rare opportunity to meet Fern, the ambassador of Raptors Rise Rehabilitation. At this facility the staff rehabilitates injured birds of prey and returns them to the wild. Only a few of the recovered birds, like Fern, live permanently at the southern Indiana refuge.
I wanted to know all about barn owls, which are endangered in Indianna due to loss of habitat. They don’t hoot like I thought all owls did. Fern hisses, which could sound very eerie at night. This type of owl weighs less than two pounds. As far as hunting skills, the barn owl has excellent night vision and acute hearing for locating elusive prey.
When the director, Lola, told me that all raptors have distinct personalities, I asked her if the staff tamed Fern and other permanent residents.
Lola said, “No, we keep them wild, just as they were meant to be. We heal the injury, not their nature.”
While I was driving home, I reflected on Lola’s words. When I am bruised and broken, God offers me refuge and restores me, but He doesn’t ask that I change my personality traits. In fact, He never requires a transformation into perfection. He requires only that I be me. I am slowly learning to appreciate my quirks and not become so frustrated when I stumble. God made me with a unique personality, just as God made each kind of wild animal with its own distinctive nature.
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying; Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save. —Fanny J. Crosby
Gracious God, thank You for all of creation and all the unique features we find. Help us to be aware of each creature and not feel the need to take them all in as pets. AMEN.