Eagles

 I feel like I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Perhaps it's because it is the landscape I have grown up with and it's home.

There is something about the nature in BC that reflects the glory and majesty in God in such a magnificent way. Whenever I look outside or am outside, I am overwhelmed with peace and often strongly feel God's presence. I can breathe easy and rest in Him.

 

I have been trying to stop and appreciate my surroundings more and to engage with it and one of those ways has been through photography and taking time to have photography dates with myself to get me out there, taking more pictures. To spur on my creativity and to take time to just rest and be and enjoy it. 

 

Anyway, right now is one of my favourite times of year as there are countless eagles in our backyard. I'm not sure where they've come from or where they're going, but for a few weeks each year, they like to hang out in the trees and fly around in the back. I love waking up in the mornings to see the eagles flying by the windows and I often find myself watching them in fascination. 

In Deuteronomy, when talking about Israel, there is a passage that compares God to an eagle in relation to them.

Deuteronomy 32:11 

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.

 

 

 I'm not completely knowledgeable about eagles, but I do know that in order to teach the babies to fly, the mother hovers over the nest, and makes the nest an uncomfortable place and pushes the birds out of the nest to teach them. Before the babies learn to fly, the eagle drops fast and catches the eagle on its wings. This happens continually until the babies learn to fly.

In some ways I feel like God is continually stirring up the nest and pushing me out. It gets comfortable and I don't want to leave, but God nudges me out. He doesn't abandon me but is continually there to catch me and walks alongside me as he teaches me things in the hard, uncomfortable moments. It is such a beautiful picture that reflects God's love and care for us. Thankful for the opportunity to grow even if I don't always know what's going on (as I'm flying out of the nest at a rapid pace), or if it's painful, I cling to God's goodness, grace and faithfulness. 

 

Have been reflecting on these things as I watch the eagles and enjoy their beauty and as I watch them soar with the wind (there's some other verses I could reference here..). 

Anyway, not much else- just wanted to share some photos of eagles, signs of life in winter and a few reflections on eagles. Take some time to enjoy the winter, whether it be snowy, sunny, hot or cold. Take time to stop and stand in awe and wonder at the beauty in God's creation and in how it reflects his character.