On the Wild Side

We often visit several local parks as a special adventure for our car-ride-loving dog. All three of us need the walks when we arrive, and we often enjoy surprise gifts from the “wild,” natural world. This past weekend, we were walking and talking when my husband spied the bright crimson form of a male cardinal almost hidden in the branches of a tree. We admired him until he flies away.

Several days later in the same area, we were welcomed by the popping heads of three or four otters as they swirled and snorted in a little lake. They swam and seemed to follow us to see where we were going. It was a real treat to observe that many wild, playful, and curious creatures.

During the same walk, my husband invited me into the brush along our path, to a large patch of wild, lavender, daisy-like flowers. We had seen them at a distance but up close was spectacular. Hidden gems all along our way. These brighten our days and provide up with glimpses of wildlife that we would otherwise miss while living in buildings or driving in vehicles.

The Simplest Things

Solomon was supposed to have been the wisest man to ever live. Very wealthy also — way above 1%. He could afford anything the world had to offer. Yet even he was amazed by the simplest things in life: “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of man with a maiden,” (Proverbs 30:18,19 NIV).

My spirit and health need time for the simple, pure pleasures in life. I suppose that is why my pet or a visiting baby can be so charming. They are easily amused and satisfied. Each day really requires only three or four things: time with God, good food, good work, and good friends.

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. What natural surprises have you observed when you slowed down to walk or sit still?

2. What must your day involve for you to feel contented or at peace?

If you liked this, you may also enjoy The Bear Tree | Five Amazing Creatures in God’s Creation

Karen Spruill writes from Florida.

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