It struck me. With strength and value. Take a moment. Look at the picture. Was taken last week as I fished with two dear friends on my most favorite stream in the world, Muddy Creek, west of Kremmling, Colorado. Matthew and Bryan were just downstream. As I was about to cast, Matthew, my wonderful Rabbi Guide, got my attention as he pointed to the sky, “Hey, Preacher! Look up!”
Soaring with grace was the largest eagle I have ever seen. Had to have a six foot wing span. It then landed on the limb of a leafless [and perhaps lifeless] tree. Took the picture. Okay, I’m an amateur at taking picts, but you can see the eagle.
I then looked at my indicator floating Muddy Creek. The indicator bobbed, just a tad, but the message was clear: strike! Set the hook, the river exploded in frenzied joy. Moments later, netted a beautiful rainbow trout, released it, raised my arms for victory, then looked back at the eagle. Probably my imagination but think the eagle nodded in affirmation.
It struck me this morning…the eagle on a limb. The limb may reflect dire realities…our own, the world in which we live, how perilous life can be. But, we can focus on the eagle, bespeaking strength and vitality, using the limb for rest and not for demise. Or we can look at the greenness of the trees on the right…continued growth, vitality, purpose and value.
That strikes me on this Monday morning…that for each of us, we know that life has perilous realities. But, even more, know the inner strength we do have…especially the spiritual strength that is ours, gifted by a caring God who creates our lives, our breathing and our new day. And there. In a heartbeat, the indicator bobs, the trout splashes and life happens. Oh yes it does.
Hopefully for each of us this day might be good, the treasured present…no less than every dawning tomorrow.
Fish on!
Mark H. Miller's Blog 