Owls

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. (GNB)

Our family spent an enjoyable evening last winter learning about owls. A nearby conservation area hosted a moonlight owl walk. They had many displays about owls and other local birds and animals. There were owl crafts for the kids to make, hands-on activities about nature in our area, as well as early Native displays.

We were also assigned a group and taken out into the woods to listen for owls. Unfortunately, we had recently had a late winter thaw. This disrupted the natural winter pattern of the owls, and our guide could not get a response to her taped screech owl calls.

One other activity we attended was a slide show about a local owl/raptor hospital. Following the slides, the owner of the hospital and two assistants showed us a small hawk and an owl. It was amazing to see such legendary creatures up close. These two birds were permanent residents of the hospital. The hawk had an injury that made re-entry into the wild impossible. The owl, however, was completely healthy, but had unfortunately imprinted on humans. A well-intentioned individual, finding a seemingly abandoned owl, brought it to the hospital when it was a fledgling. The parents were no doubt near by, but by then, the young owl had imprinted on humans, and would never be able to live in the wild.

Fortunately, we are not like owls. Even if we have not known God during our tender years, we can come to know Him later, and live in His likeness. We are not restricted to a small window of time, where we must be exposed to Him, in order to know His love. Just as a young owl is protected by its parents, so too are we under the watchful eye of our Father. We can come to Him at any time, to feel His grace, His glory and His love.

Prayer: Loving God, You are our protector. Whenever we come to You, show us Your grace, Your glory and Your love. Watch over us, and keep us safe. Amen.

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