Gifts

Gifts

0:00

“But whoever loves God is known by God,” I Corinthians 8:3, NIV.

This morning, I felt I was seen by God.

I love the hill across the street from our house. We have seen coyote pups playing with their siblings rolling down the slope, yapping at each other. I have even seen a road runner. But my favorite creature my neighborhood produces are the owls.

Owls hold a fondness since childhood. My mom used to collect these magnificent birds represented in magnets, stuffed animals, and even jewelry. Many of my beloved cartoon characters were owls, too.

So, when I discovered there were owls in our neighborhood, my camera was in my hand faster than squirrels stealing our tortoise’s food. Only to wait silently for them to appear. We would hear them before seeing them. There were days when the sound was all I would receive.

Then one day my husband called me outside, and there sitting on a limb of a nearby tree hooting contentedly, was a barn owl. A beautiful round-faced adult. This was many years ago.

Since then, they had been appearing regularly, but this last year they have been heard in neighboring trees, yet unseen.

Then this morning I was nudged to get up and go for a walk. I rolled over and looked at my clock, and it was 4:50! AM! I thought, “Really Father? Can’t we walk a little closer to sunrise at least?”

My Father’s reply was sweet and encouraging, “I have something to show you.”

Obediently I got out of bed, dressed and tied up my tennis shoes. Because how could I argue with such a tender request?

I was not disappointed. There, about ten houses down, on our shared hill, were two adolescent owls, hunting! I could have cried. But I was so overjoyed, all I could do was smile, and take pictures.

Two passersby were curious to know what I was watching, and when I told them, they were less than thrilled. Then again, it wasn’t even 5:30, apparently, they drink coffee after their brisk walk.

I began to complain and judge, “How could they be less than thrilled?”

And my Father correctly informed me that this was for me. That I might be the only one who would appreciate with so much joy.

God’s gifts—just because. Wow.

What if I had fallen back to sleep? I would have missed His present.

When you feel God’s nudge or hear His tender voice, listen. He has something worthwhile for you to hear or experience. He loves us and knows our hearts. He knows what will put a smile on His kid’s face. Today was an owl for me; tomorrow it might be something for you. I hope so. Follow when He calls—it’s worth it.

(Feel free to comment. I love reading your thoughts).

Father,

You have given me my joy today. Not only because of my owl sighting, but in Your presence. Thank You for our walk this morning. I pray that all who are reading or listening to this devotion will lean in closer to hear Your still, small voice and follow it. Show them the treats You have for them and help them enjoy Your presence.

Thank You for Your forever love.

And thank You for those remarkable birds.

Amen.