The Large and Small of LIFE

“How many are Your works, Lord!  In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures… living things both large and small.”  (Psalm 104:24,25b)

We got home last night.  Safe and sound, all by Your grace.  And what a greeting You had prepared for us, Lord!

After unloading the car, I was about to start my #1 favorite post-travel activity:  Unpacking my suitcase.  Some call it “settling in.”  I call it “nesting.”

The curtains in the bedroom were closed.  For more light — the better to “nest” in — I opened the curtains.  That’s when I saw it:

A tiny, ruby-throated hummingbird!!!

We had purchased a brand new hummingbird feeder a couple of days before we left on our trip.  Our first such feeder ever.  We had found what we hoped would be a great spot for it — in the shade, under the overhanging branches of a nearby butterfly bush.

A great spot, indeed!

I stood at the window, motionless, as I watched this tiny creature.  Flitting to and fro, from the feeder to a nearby branch where it rested between feedings.  Was it watching me as it perched there, Lord?  Or did You just tell it to stop on that particular branch, in that particular position, so I could see the fullness of its beauty?

After several minutes of watching it in rapt wonder, I saw it fly away as suddenly as it had appeared.  But the smile on my face — reflecting the smile in my heart — lasted the rest of the day!

Such a tiny creature.  Does it ever feel small, Lord?  Not “up to” the challenges set before it?  There have been times in my life when I have felt that way.  When I still do.  Too small to be noticed.  Too small to matter.  Too small to make a difference.  But there are no “small” people in Your eyes… are there, Lord?

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:29-31)

Today we were up early, heading out in the car to pick Skippy up at the kennel.  The rural countryside here is so beautiful!  The rolling hills.  The grazing horses and cattle.  The growing crops.  The two-lane roads winding their way alongside flowing rivers, promising new beauty and occasional surprises around the next bend in the road…

Surprises like a HUGE BLACK BEAR!!!

Our first bear sighting since we came here last year!!!  He (she?) was ambling along the fenceline bordering a large crop of something.  I was too enthralled with the bear to notice the crop.  I don’t suppose I would ever be hired as a commentator for a National Geographic special.  All I could say was, “Bear!  Bear!  Bear!”   🙂

He (she?) walked along the bush-covered fence, then turned into a break in the bushes and disappeared.  All I can say is… WOW.

Such a large creature.  Does it ever get too full of itself, Lord?  Going its own way, relying on its own strength, instead of realizing it is dependent on You?  There have been times in my life when I have felt that way.  When I still do.  Independent.  Self-indulgent.  Rebellious.

Until Reality intervenes and I get to the end of myself.  I come to my senses and I find You there… ready to lift me up.

“‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  (James 5:5b-7)

Thank You, Abba, for giving me eyes to see yet another glimpse of the Large and Small of LIFE.  And thank You, Abba, for giving me a heart to embrace You there.

It’s so good to be Home!

Learning (longing) to love You more,

Abba’s Girl

1 Comment

  • Paul Scruton says:

    It sounds to me like you have been fortunate enough to find a little piece of Heaven right here on earth. Love.
    Your brother in Christ, Paul Scruton

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