Today, near the lake opposite our house I saw our local hawk soaring and wheeling in the sky. It's a really windy day, with gusts of up to 50 miles an hour according to the forecast. The hawk was literally playing roller coaster on the thermals, with periodic spirals down to the ground. Then he would weave in and out of the many trees before starting his air ride once again.
Now, he may have been eyeing a particularly energetic mouse in the undergrowth on the side of the lake, but even so, he was displaying his prowess at flying to a magnificent degree. If a hawk can be said to be enjoying something, he looked to me as though he was having a really good time! Perhaps dinner was on hold while he just enjoyed the moment, enjoyed the unusually strong winds that he could test his capabilities against, enjoyed the beauty of his gift of flight.
I suddenly realized that I rarely give myself to enjoying the moment in such a way. I never revel in the beauty of a situation, the power of a weather event, or the delicate details I see all around me in creation. When was the last time I immersed myself in enjoying the gifts God has given me?
God says, "But to you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy."
Malachi 4:2
My most reason experience of enjoyment would be titled "Yowling after Yahtzee!" Late last Friday night my friend rolled the very last dice of the game and the situation she ended up with caused us all to start laughing. Due to our over-tired state, we laughed until we cried, paused, then howled again! It felt so good!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when that happens! Laughter is the best medicine for sure. I saw something really funny posted on FB - go to amazon and check out the reviews for the Horse Mask by Accoutrements. They're hilarious! Thanks for sharing, Amy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great "contemplative" post, and I love finding things in nature that make me stop and ponder God's majesty. I usually see it in sunrises and sunsets, but now I'll be on the lookout for amazing birds!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see this post -- I've missed you!
Hugs from VA :)
Susan, you're still my blog maven and inspiration! Hope all is well with you. Blessings on your writing!
DeleteWe love to see hawks soaring, too--they are so majestic! Thanks for the reminder to stop and contemplate. I am signing up to follow you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Day,
Jen
Thanks, Jen. Blessings!
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