The Imprint of God

For several days a beautiful bird has paid us a lengthy visit.  Each morning when we awake, stands the grey crane with feathers tinged in the faintest of pink and white. He is motionless for minutes that can become an hour.  Ever so slightly comes a turn of the head, sharp eyes peering into the water waiting for breakfast to appear in the form of a small fish.  

Isn’t it amazing the imprint of God upon and within His creation?  Human hearts are born with a spiritual void that cannot be satisfied with anything in our physical world, but only by the supernatural filling of the Holy Spirit.  Nature sings praise to its creator from every whisper of wind to the force of gales bursting forth in mighty crescendo.  The presence of God  and His wondrous works is all around us.

The crane stretches its neck higher and higher while alert eyes spy its prey.  A graceful lifting of wing, a swift plunge, and reward is evident as the crane gives proof of its catch gliding down its slender neck.  He stood at attention, never wavering from its goal:

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

Gradually the sky covered over with white cloud, then grey, while rain came, softly at first, then gaining momentum, pounding earth and water.  The crane did not lift its face.  He was steadfast, not wavering.  Wind began to blow with sudden force.  The crane spread its spindly legs and held fast its stance.  Feathers ruffled but still he did not change focus from its goal.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

The imprint of God is evident for all to see; only look with seeing eyes, believing eyes, trusting eyes.  Call and He will come. Stand tall in any of life’s storms, for His own strength will be yours.  Do not yield to fears of the physical world but focus on your goal. Patience will yield spiritual faith that cannot be toppled, like the crane standing firm in the storm.