Taking The Robin's Lead

Job 12:7-9 – But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? (NIV)

Most days, as I walk through the gully which has a series of stairs, trails, and bridges behind our home, invariably, a robin flies before me, stops, and waits until I almost reach the point where it has stopped, then flies further ahead.

Before it flies away, I whisper my thanks for being my lookout along the path and for showing me the way.

I am reminded of another Robin who was once my lookout in guiding me (and many other contributors) along the path of writing devotionals for Daily. When we went "off the path", as it were, he would stop us, offer several suggestions or alternatives, correct us when and where we were wrong, and help us find pertinent Scriptures when we were stuck, and thus, we were eventually able to develop our own style of writing.

From the humblest of creatures to the intelligence of man, whatever direction, whatever help, whatever joy or pleasure we derive from them, today's Scripture tells us that it is ultimately given by the grace of the hand of the Lord our God.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we give thanks for the countless ways in which You offer us Your guidance and direction. May all our senses be ever open to the gifts of Your guidance that we are given throughout each day. In Jesus' name we pray and give thanks for this day. Amen.

Note – The human Robin to whom I refer was the inspiration and creator of Daily, today beginning its fourteenth year. Through the grace of God, Robin Ross patiently, selflessly, and tirelessly guided us through our submissions to attain a high level in writing for this devotional page. He retired from his ministry at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Mission, BC, Canada, in November 2008, and now ministers through the Daily as our Oversight Editor.