God gave us creation to see Him through

Each year at this time you can find a few nests of Killdeer in our front yard. These marvelous birds captivate my attention. I love hearing their distinct call. I walk out into our front yard just to watch them. They usually lay between three and four eggs in their nest, which happens to be wide open. They appear around the rocky edges of the yard. They are birds of camouflage. They lay hidden within the colors around them, but as you approach them, they make themselves known. If you walk about close enough you will see the momma or daddy bird move away from the nest as if they have a broken wing. They go the extra mile to protect their young. The fascinating thing about them for me? They mate for life! We have two nests in our yard right now and each couple returns each and every year to the same exact spot. It's almost as if they return as a honeymoon of sorts. An anniversary of life.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20

The babies? Well, these fuzzy little creatures hatch with their feet in motion. Yes, right after they hatch they are off running. Nothing holding these little ones back. No fear grasping them, holding them close to the nest, except momma and daddy, watching over each movement. Keeping away all evil and loving them from the very moment they are hatched. Well, I would say even before. Protective parents, guarding the very ones they love. Isn't that romantic? I find beauty in these creatures of flight. Deep in the night you can hear the call of these beautiful birds. A call that you know danger is near. It's as if they are not only warning a critter to stay away, but calling out for help. How many times in the deep of the night do we cry out for help? We sense danger drawing near and we call out to God for protection and strength. In the light of day, yes, sometimes they have lost an egg. Sometimes all of them to the dangers that attack in the night, but as light dawns, you once again, hear their song of joy. It's as if they too know a new day is beginning. Letting go of the darkness to allow the pureness of light to shine upon them.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat." Psalm 19:1-6

It's as though God gives us these little blessings each year to show us, "Look, listen and learn". By looking, we see His beauty. His creation and all it's magnificence. By listening, we hear the call of beauty and love between a couple, protecting their young. By learning, we can walk more like Christ. We can learn who He is and all He can do.

"May the glory of the Lord endure forever; May the Lord rejoice in His works." Psalm 104:31

I am simply amazed by these birds. They allow you come close enough to see them, but if they sense danger they are ready to protect. We get a glimpse at family life. Mating for life? A marriage of promise. We see them working together. There is no women's work and men's work. They are there to support one another. Camouflage is a part of God's creation. Although we see them hidden from view at first, once seen they are beholding to the eye. You simply can't take your eye off of them. Isn't that how our lives should be? We are to live in this world, but not to be part of it. We are to be set apart. Of course, if they are still they are hard to see, but once their feet start running, you can see each and every move.

Once our feet hit the floor we should be off and running for God. We should be running without fear. We should be willing to stand and protect. We should be celebrating everyday a life given to us that is filled with grace and beauty. Sometimes those treasures are hidden, and we must look deeper to find them. In looking deeper we see beyond the surface of what this world sees. Life is a treasure waiting for us to unfold all the blessings God has placed here just for us. In seeking them we worship Him. In finding them we praise Him.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Isn't it awesome to see God's creation and wonder? I simply wonder in awe at His greatness. What is it in creation that speaks to you? Do you see Him through the very beauty around you? Every motion, every act, every conversation should take us right back to God. With our eyes and ears we should be able to lift up our voice and sing praise to Him. What gifts He gives. What pleasures there are in His creation.