A Walking Epiphany

Matthew 6:25-27 – Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (NIV)

In an effort to become a healthier person, I have begun an "almost" daily walking regimen. I am blessed to be living close to a coastline, and so I get to walk two to three miles along that beautiful spot where the ocean meets the land. Just the other day during my walk, as I usually do, I noticed a cormorant hunting in the shallows of the ocean. Anyone who has ever had the chance to observe this sea bird will know that it is rather interesting to watch. The cormorant swims with only its neck and head above the water, and, as it does, with a watchful eye, it waits for fish to swim by underneath. When it sees what it wants, this bird will then dive fully under the sea for its meal! It is fun to watch and see just where the little guy will resurface. This bird will even dive through waves! I have seen the waves crash down over the bird, but there it is, still hunting, once the wave has passed!

While watching the cormorant this day, a realization struck me. I thought to myself, just look at this creature of God. It simply floats there, not worried about what might be lurking around beneath waiting to devour it, not anxious about the crashing waves, but just going about its life using God-given talent and instinct. The cormorant is doing exactly what God wants it to do. It isn't worried about the waves of life, and how they might topple it over. It just puts its head forward, dives through each wave, and comes out the other side, ready for the next one, and probably the stronger for it. The wave doesn't hinder the bird; the creature keeps on doing what God would have it do.

I am reminded about my own life, and how I can be easily distracted by life's waves. I can get off course because of worry and trials that come my way. This cormorant helped me to remember that I should cast my worries aside, put my head forward with the determination of my faith in God, and dive through each wave with the knowledge that God is with me. I am also reminded to pray for and use my God-given talents and gifts to further the kingdom. That's what I am on this earth to do!

God's creation is so awesome. Through His creation, He speaks to us and reminds us of His Word and His love for us.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for the cormorant and all of Your creation, and for speaking to us through it. Thank You for being patient with us, and for sending little reminders that strengthen us in a big way. Help us, Father, to find and apply our gifts and talents so that we may be better servants for You, our Lord. In Your Son's precious name. Amen.