Bottoms Up!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. (TLB)

During the past week, the swans have been back at the marsh. I was thrilled to see them sailing about in the water as I passed by the marsh. Watching them there gives me literally a bird's-eye view of these beautiful and graceful creatures. The jet black of their beaks, legs, and feet against their snow-white plumage is the elegance of simplicity. Often when driving by the marsh, I slow down or even pull over in the hope of watching them glide amidst winter-browned reeds and flocks of various other waterfowl.

More often than not, however, all I see is bottoms up! — bottoms up that look like a peak of vanilla soft-serve ice cream atop the marshy waters. The swans are busy eating and eating and eating. Morning, noon, and night: bottoms up.

Without bottoms up, the swans don't eat. In order to replenish their strength and keep up their health, they must go bottoms up and enter another world. Under the water on which they float exists another whole dimension. Insects and fish, plants and rocks, which are hidden from above, all come into focus, and amidst this other world, the swans find nourishment and strength for the day ahead.

Likewise, I also find nourishment and strength for each day when I take time to "bottoms up" amidst the words of Scripture. I discover a whole new dimension — a whole new way of looking at and interacting within the everydayness of life. I am encouraged and broadened in my thinking. I am refreshed in my spirit. I am blessed with glimpses of eternity that make my heart soar with delight. And when I resurface, my attitude and actions take on a new beauty, just as the beauty of the swans is once again revealed as they right themselves in the pond and commence with pride and dignity to paddle slowly across its surface.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the beauty of creation and how You are able to use it to reveal things about Yourself to us. Please enlighten our hearts this day through both the power of Your written Word and the glory of nature. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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