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| New Life |
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I have been on vacation this week. It has been a nice break. One of those that I really needed, but didn't know it until it happened. I have had Bay at the beach almost every day. Bay has a skin infection that makes him itch and very hot, so he enjoys being in the water.
A few days ago, my daughter and I took Bay to the beach to do some retrieves. It was late in the evening and a summer thunderstorm had just drenched us. I figured the waves on the Chesapeake would be high. It would be a good workout for Bay. Additionally, Kelly is still young enough to love to play in the water. So, we loaded Bay in his cage in the back of the van and headed to the beach.
It is only about a quarter mile to the beach. We could walk it if we wanted to. Going to the beach is not that bad. The "coming home" part is rough since it is all up very steep hills. We live in the "cliffs" part of southern Maryland.
On the road just before we turn into the beach area, we noticed two little, tiny raccoons alongside the road. They were so small you could fit them in the palm of your hand. I figure the storm must have knocked them out of the tree. When we stopped the van, they hid behind the grass and watched us. Kelly calls out in a way that only a preteen girl can...they are soooooo keewwuuut! We watched them for a little while, then moved on to the beach.
While Bay was getting his workout, I thought about all the new life I have seen this year.
--The raccoons were certainly cute, as Kelly had pointed out.
--A month or so ago, I had watched a little fawn being born and then slowly move its lanky legs to stand up. I was within twenty feet of it and its mom...close enough to scare them. Once she had given birth and knew the fawn was ok, they both took off running away from me. It was the first time I had ever heard a fawn make a noise. It was kind of like a little puppy barking.
--I had watched a set of Bald Eagles build a nest, then seen them teaching a young eagle how to hunt.
--There is a possum that I have seen carrying her young ones across the dirt road when I leave for work in the morning.
--I have seen many little bunnies this year. More than I have ever seen in the past.
--There is a pileated woodpecker family that lives near us. Hearing them all peck on trees is certainly a chorus. The male's head is about the size of my fist - or about the size of one of those little raccoons.
Everytime I see new life, it reminds me of how God put His creation in place for us to enjoy. New life. Whether it is baby animals or a new baby boy or girl, it doesn't seem to matter. There is something beautiful about it. Something that says "This is exactly what God intended". Something that reflects the fingerprint of the Master painter, the Master craftsman, the Master creator. New life brings joy, hope, and a fresh outlook.
1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
As I walked along the beach with Bay, I thought about these very things. I marveled at how God allows us to see His hand in His creation and through it He gives us hope.
Then I stopped and my heart got very sad. It isn't always like this, is it? Should it be? My thoughts turn to a young lady in our church who is pregnant. She has no husband. Where is the joy in the new life that is within her? Where is our joy at seeing the new life in the making? What makes her situation any different than the others in God's creation? Is it because we, as a people, have set a higher standard? Or is it because we all fall short of God's standard and here, in her, we see something of our own sin? If it is because of our own sin, is that fair to her and her baby? I struggled with these thoughts as I walked along the beach. I have no answers. All I know is what Jesus said...he that has no sin can throw the first stone.
8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ... 8:9 And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
I determined in my heart to rejoice over the new life she is bringing forth into this world. She made a mistake. Life will be hard. She will have to walk it out. So, what else is new...like none of us have made any mistakes and like our life is a cakewalk all the time? No! She and her baby need all the support they can get and that we, our church, can give. Even this child, He knows.
1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Who knows? Maybe this child will indeed be a prophet. God knows. We should rejoice accordingly.
Bay was exhausted. He had a great workout. Kelly had played in the waves an d was ready to go. I had spent a lot of time talking to my God and my heart had been changed...my perspective on life somewhat transformed...hopefully a little more into His image.
As we drove home, I went really slow where we had seen the baby raccoons. They were still there. Still hiding behind the grass as we stopped and watched them. New life. It is worth rejoicing over no matter the circumstances. New life. A reminder that God is still the Creator of our world and everything in it. New life. The way our God tells us to have hope in tomorrow.
Another day on the beach. A man, his dog, and his God.
© Copyright, Voice_in_DC, June 2008 |
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This post just touched my heart. I guess because I can relate to you and the post........God so speaks to me when I'm out in nature. This post was so good, it felt like I was there!
And the insights He gave you......awesome!
I would give this on 50 jillion stars! Amen! |
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Yes, this post also touched my heart! Thank you
I too enjoy the walks on the beach and being with my God, chatting and giggling
and bing quiet enough to listen, to see.
New life...awesome, I watch from my winodw as I sit here and type. The baby squarrles rolling in the dirt, chaseing each other...the baby robins spreading thoer wings for thier first flight out my other window.
The hummingbirds dipping down for a drink...amazing little birds..God CREATIONS
New life. It is worth rejoicing over no matter the circumstances. New life. A reminder that God is still the Creator of our world and everything in it. New life. The way our God tells us to have hope in tomorrow. |
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Thanks Cindy. Glad you enjoyed it!
Ruth, yes He is!
Donna, your comment really touched me today. Sounds like you share a similar office as mine! |
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Joey |
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July 01, 2008 at 12:39pm |
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God is going to help that young woman and child. I just know it! Everything will work out, because the Lord provides.
It's a proven fact. Amen! |
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This is beautiful. You made me feel like I was walking right beside y'all!
Funny, the rabbits seem to be multiplying here more than usual! |
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Kathy |
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July 03, 2008 at 2:50pm |
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| Beautiful post, Voice. You captured me with nature's beauty, then challenged my heart. Your heart is a special one! |
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Joey, I believe God will help her, too. She will have a rough road for a while, but I pray He will guide her through it.
Thanks Angie...not sure about those rabbits!
Kathy, thank you. Same back at you my friend. |
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