Lessons Learned 09/19/2011
 
Many who know me know I have a deep connection with birds of prey ... a recent blessing in the desert (though on a power pole) was this female American Kestrel with her luncheon snake. I watched for 30 minutes - something I've never had the opportunity to do - as she landed with the snake, killed the snake, ate the snake, and then rested after dining. As I watched and photographed (wishing I had the 400mm lens out), I couldn't help but lift up praise for God's glorious creation (in all forms) and give thanks for being able to sit still (a recurring theme these days) long enough to observe the world around me. As many times as I've seen hawks, falcons or eagles, I've never once been able to watch one eat in the wild. The strength in talons and hooked beak were humbling, the fastidiousness in finishing every morsel so as not to waste, and then the time taken just to perch following eating ... these were all lessons I took to heart. Let me be strong in my choices of what I take in, let me not waste what is given to me, and then let me always take time to appreciate that which I choose to embrace - food, word, thought, music, friendship, love, wonder, vision ... everything.

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Thoughts on Giving Thanks:

One of this season’s most thoughtful holidays is Thanksgiving Day. Many of us will take this day and the time leading up to it as an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of our lives. Some of these blessings are seemingly simple, every day gifts, such as the clothes we wear. Some are life-changing, like the miracle of life. I know that I have said prayers of thanks in the past for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, etc. At times we may even struggle to give thanks due to challenges we experience, but more often than not, we are still able to find something to be thankful for. But as I ponder what it means to give thanks, I became aware that there is yet another way to give thanks other than saying the words or praying with gratitude. We can actually give of ourselves in a way that brings life to thankfulness and gratitude in others. Think on this: When we offer assistance to a friend in need, when we invite a stranger into our lives, or when we sacrifice our comfortable routine and spend our free time in service to our community, we are creating an opportunity for others to give thanks as well. What a gift this is! When reading 1 Thessalonians 5:18 with this type of thanks giving in mind, this scripture takes on even greater meaning: "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) My understanding of this scripture already compels me to give thanks to God at all times for all things He has brought into my life, whether I understand them or not. However, I also believe this scripture calls on us to live our lives in a way of service that encourages others to also give thanks. Think what this type of thanks giving would mean for our earthly existence as we model ourselves into Christ’s likeness. People cannot help but be transformed when they are thankful. Let us go and GIVE thanks!
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