I wonder how many hours and days it has taken this hawk to learn the art of graceful flight. To land atop a pole which provides the best vantage point for searching out prey is instinctive behavior. But, to land correctly, balance in the wind, and turn this way and that takes practice. And, practice takes time.
I wonder what the reason was for this bird of prey to suddenly stand erect, then tilt forward in preparation for flight? Did he see something he wanted or did he not see the prize and decided to move to another location which offered a better view? Or, did he simply become bored? Do birds get bored, anyway? Do they think or merely act as a result of their genetic code? One fact we know is they have great eyesight and lightning fast reflexes.
I wonder if the hawk’s decision to vault off the pole arose purely from instinct or was it a conscious decision? Like a sprinter leaving the starting blocks in a race so this predator leaped from his perch-wings fully outstretched-to swoop down and then rise up again to his next destination. Is there something going on besides the obvious? Nature moves in rhythm: the moon waxes and wanes, the tides go in and out, the sun rises and sets…constantly repeating the same cycles over and over again. I have noticed most, if not all, created life has cyclical aspects to it. Animals do. Birds and fish and insects do. Plants and trees do. And, people do. In many ways we are no different than the rest of God’s creation. However, there is something that sets us apart-something wonderful. It is more than just our souls, because all of God’s creatures must have some sort of soul (at least animals!), although they differ from mans’. We were created in God’s image while the animal kingdom was a created entity which was to be cared for by people. To me, the wondrous difference is that we have been given the ability to enjoy a personal relationship with our Creator! Shaky theology, you say? Perhaps. One day I will know for sure, and hopefully you will, too. In the meantime, I will try to keep my spirit flying as high as I possibly can. I do admit there are times when this can be very difficult. I think wings would help…a lot.
Tag Archives: nature
Floral Artistry
I am of the opinion that nature produces the most breathtaking artistry known to man. And, flowers are near the top of the list when it comes to sheer variety and beauty. I am also of the opinion that I am most fortunate to enjoy every facet of God’s creation. Not everyone is so lucky.
If I couldn’t see this yellow flower, then perhaps I could touch it. But if I couldn’t feel it, then maybe I could smell its fragrance. If I couldn’t detect it by smell, then someone would have to describe it to me. Should I know only silence then I would be in a real pickle. I can think of one solution to this dilemma; a kind person would have to pick this flower from the base of its stem and gently brush the bloom across my face. Once I know it exists in softness and glorious fragility, the kind individual would put it in a vase for others to experience. Just because I couldn’t fully comprehend or enjoy the presence of a fresh flower doesn’t mean others shouldn’t. So, go ahead, inhale, feel the unopened blooms, touch the stamen, admire the form and color of this blossom and be so bold as to taste a droplet of water clinging to the chiffon petals..
Then, plant a seed or bulb for the next sojourner to enjoy. Natural beauty is too precious not to share and celebrate. And, should you come across another who is limited by physical or mental disabilities, be creative and share a portion of the art that surrounds (or is in) all of us, especially the art of a kind and compassionate soul.
Nature’s Jubilee !
Frozen tundra awakens from her slumber
Spring bursts forth like a volcano
Life erupts from seeming stillness
Darkness to light; drab to refulgent
Winter’s browns transform into a kaleidoscope of colors
Wild and free, fragrances flow across the sky
Grass greens, trees bud and flowers sprout
Rains come, sun shines and birds nest
Sowers sow, bees pollinate and the earth responds
Grains top the stems of reeds and seeds appear
The earth rejoices, and God smiles
Nature’s jubilee is on full display
Fancy That !
Fancy that, will you ! Yesterday was the fifth day of Spring in our region of the world. The temperature was in the mid-twenties and heaven decided we needed just a touch of snow to remind us that nature is a bit unpredictable. As many Midwestern folks commonly state, ” Welcome to our neighborhood, where the weather can change by the hour “. The wet flakes of snow attached themselves to the tips of grasses and trees to create quite a stunning scene. The snow didn’t last long, as it never does this time of year. However, we are ever anxious for April showers to bring us May flowers, and warmth, and color, and fragrance, and…(fill in the blanks). Always hope for the best!
Sun, Sentinels & Scenery
A few days ago the temperature warmed up significantly so I took a ride on my scooter and shot some scenery. These images are with the sun to my back as it is about a half hour from dropping below the horizon. The warm hues of a late afternoon glow turn the metallic structures into something almost real. The tall spires of this electric utility sub-station reminded me of sentinels overlooking the plain of tall grasses.
This is that time of year when nature plays tricks on us. One day it is well below freezing and the next above sixty degrees. Most of the winter hibernators come out on these days and the human activity looks like squirrels descending from their nests and scurrying about for nuts! It is like neighborhoods come to life just as spring flowers sprout up from the crusty soil of colder days. Soon, the earth will shed her blanket of snow and frozen ground and usher in a spectacular array of life and beauty. We are still a month away from such eruptions of color, but the wildlife senses the coming change.
I passed these beautiful creatures grazing and simply had to stop and shoot. The sun cast rays and shadows which made for an idyllic setting. Horses are so graceful.
Even this goose got into the picture, literally! The geese that left our area are now beginning to return. Although they are a wonderful sight to watch in flight, they can certainly create problems as they have acclimated to people and vehicles. As a side note, I try to be cognizant of my surroundings because I am so often pleasantly astonished at what I encounter. When I am preoccupied or running too fast I can easily overlook the sublime which may not be readily recognizable. For me, this applies especially to nature, but extends to all facets of my life. People are not exceptions to this truth for they are the most complex of all creation. Well, the sun was ready to set for another evening so it was time to pack up the camera and head home which is just what I did. Shalom.
R E F L E C T I O N S
I found it very difficult to not make one more post about Autumn’s colors…this time with a reflective flair. The photos are from the same parks where I have previously posted examples of nature’s beauty. Thanks for visiting (and viewing “more of the same” ).
I marvel at how beautifully and effortlessly water fowl glide across a pond or lake. It is like watching poetry in motion, Since people can’t glide, I’ll wish you smooth sailing!
Daffodils Springing Forth Hope
Image
It is the advent of another spring in the Midwest. As usual, the weather is unpredictable, with one day sunny and 78 degrees and the next rainy and 43. It is this rain which ushers in an abundance of green. From the hardened cold earth of winter, life erupts in vibrant shapes and colors. Each plant and tree is unique. I have found that with some flowers and plants, the unopened blossom can be as beautiful as the fully bloomed flower. Such is the case with these gems. The green will give way to bright yellow in short order, and the stems will sway toward whatever direction the sun’s rays fall upon them. Nature is simply so wonderful to behold ! ( Psalm 96: 11 & 12 )
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