Soar Like an Eagle
Dear Lord, It seems as though summer has just begun, but already we look forward to Rally Day and the beginning of a new year with Christian education. Guide us and help us to be a blessing to the children we guide and the parents we support. Renew our strength so that we too may mount up with wings like eagles and soar with you. Amen
. . . but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with winds like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Behind my house is a small field and behind that field is a grove of trees. Early this spring an eagle couple took up residence there. It’s fascinating to watch them as they float along on the wind currents and soar so high and free.
A few years ago there was another pair nesting nearby. The business owner next door was able to focus a camera on the nest so that the community was able to watch the nesting, hatching and growth of the eaglets. The adult eagles took turns tending the nest and searching for food. Both Mom and Dad took care of the kids! A few weeks after their hatching, two of the three eaglets fell from the nest. All attempts to rescue them failed and they were not able to survive. Shortly after that, the wind blew the nest from the tree and the third one was lost. The adult pair mourned the loss of their young and circled around where their nest had been for several days. Then, they ventured off to a new place and began again.
Several things come to my mind as I’ve watched this saga unfold. First, the cooperative rearing and nurturing of the young. Then, there was the demonstration of loss as they stayed close by their young – helpless to do anything, but not willing to leave them. Finally, the moving on and starting over, as though they realized that nothing could change the past and it was time to look to the future.
Isaiah tells us that those who wait for the Lord, those who look for God’s guidance will soar and be carried by the wind currents (the Holy Spirit?) and will not grow weary with the frailties of life. Many of us share in the nurturing of children. Parents come to us for assistance and advice. The lessons of the eagles just might be a great example for us to share with them; Isaiah 40:31 offers great comfort!