New Neighbors

Last year, as I watched from lake's edge a baby, wood duck made his lone way around the cove at "beaver time". I always said a prayer for the vulnerable, little guy out on the big lake. This year, he has returned with 2 females and 1 now roosts in the nesting box in our end of the cove!
People down the way have cut off my direct access to the beavers. I must watch from afar or traverse a long climb. This forces me to choose between watching God's sky painting or the comings & goings of the beavers. God has a way of overcoming man's obstacles & has honored me in choosing to surmount my tiny woe. Beavers are said to care for their young 2-3 years, before sending them into the big, wide world. This year, their offspring made their new home up in our end of the cove! They are just across from the dock from which I gaze in awe at His creations. Without leaves on the trees, I can literally stand in my living room & watch as they make their new burrow, down below! God in His infinite grace & mercy brought the beavers to me ! I am honored & I am humbled! SELAH !

Do You Ever Wonder? I Do!

While many were still wondering if winter would ever end, I spied God's handiwork of new life beginning. I have been watching the slow growth of the buds on the lilacs, & the labor pains of the soil as growth erupts from beneath. Enveloped in icy casings, I watched the buds of spring leaves stay strong through a late, winter roar. I noticed the beavers had gotten cabin fever & emerged from some preliminary work. I saw the robins amassing & heard the return of the ovenbirds & wrens...along with countless others.


The blossoming of spring bulbs has ushered in a new excitement, but in ways it is bittersweet. The winter lines of the forest, which I cherish so greatly, are already changing form. Their buds are altering them & I cherish these last days of far-off views & our Creator's amazing handiwork of branch & tree...Just as so many of His blessings that we take for granted, they will soon be covered for a time. It isn't until the waning of winter that they are seen to their fullest, as the early winds of spring clear out the autumn leaves that have hung in place. I especially enjoy the forest in the moonlight.


I was reminded this evening, how so many of God's amazing, artistic touches go unseen, though constantly renewed before our eyes. There is such an abundance of creative treasures...touches of "The Master's Hand"...that people become blind to them. They are dismissed as "ordinary". So many people forget to "wonder"...Perhaps, as the new life of spring erupts around you, you will allow yourself to pause....and get lost in many moments of wonderment!