While writing (or I should say while attempting to write, mostly staring at a blank screen and wanting to fill it) I looked out our camper window and saw an eagle swoop down and attempt to catch a fish. Really, I did, it was amazing. I rarely see eagles, especially so close. Our camper sits about seventy-five feet from the shore.
Eagles are beautiful and awesome. Did you know when an eagle sees a storm he waits for it? From his perch he watches. He can see other animals running for shelter. He patiently waits. Darkening skies don’t dim his demeanor. Pelting rain won’t dampen his attitude. Increasing winds cannot blow him off course. He stares down the storm. With instinctive timing he takes to flight. Not away but toward the storm. Against wind and rain he turns adversary into ally. Using storm created updrafts he spreads his wings. He floats on energy created by the storm to heights that reach the heavens. Soon he is soaring with the angels, floating on the clouds, high above the storm.
I’m quite sure God did that on purpose - for us. Then, He wrote it down.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint”. Is. 40:31
Remember though, the eagle missed the fish. He flopped rather clumsily for such a graceful creature, but only for a moment and he was in the air again. I watched as he performed a skydiving show. Up high and dry, down, splash, nothing. He did not catch a fish, as far as I could see, but he kept trying.
We’re like that eagle too. He made a big splash but came up with nothing. He tried and tried again. Each time empty handed (or empty talon.) Yet it made him no less an eagle. Still he flew.
Tonight, the weather report is flashing tornado warnings. I suppose our eagle is soaring high above the clouds and the misses of the day… I doubt even cross his mind.
What can I learn from the eagle?
4 comments:
This is wonderful Doug! I think I become a bigger fan of your blog with each post.
I've often said a rock in the path can either become a stumbling block or stepping stone. But the eagle and storm metaphor is so much more powerful. Besides which, I love storms, and the thought of flying into them, making them ally rather than adversary. I hope you don't mind that I fully intend to use that metaphor in the future.
I went ahead and linked this post on my blog (and you should feel free to do that when the Spirit so leads). Since we're both "Flying" today, I trust you don't mind me adding this link back to my post.
I love how you put a unique spin on eagles and our walk of faith, Doug. I thought you were gonna just talk about all the soaring. :) You are sneaky (in a good way!) ha!
Wow, Doug. That was awesome!
Incredible analogy! And for me, the timing is perfect. I've been on an Eagle Watch myself. I'm up in your state, north of Brainerd, on a little lake called Mule Lake. The eagles and loons are abundant. Now, I wish I could say the same for the walleye! :-) ... But we've been having great fun catching some awesome bass. Now, as I take to the Lund this evening, I'll be thinking again of your eagle story. You've blessed me today.
And Doug -- your comment on my blog today was very cool. Thank you for sharing. You even minister to others in the comment section. ...
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