Loved and Engraved

 

The view outside my office window is amazing, it just is!  And I’m grateful.  This three-story office building located beside the major through-way of our rapidly growing city is actually nestled between a couple of small groves of trees on either end and has a small lake directly behind it.  From my second story window wall, I am privileged to experience beautiful sunsets, lush green trees in summer, an array of fall colors, and a variety of wildlife.  I particularly enjoy watching the birds as they soar above the wooded area.  The other day a couple of buzzards caught my attention as they stopped for a chat atop a rather tall light fixture.  My mind began to go in many directions as I considered what concepts God might teach me. 

 

Almost immediately, I thought about the significance of togetherness.  There were two buzzards!  Have you noticed that buzzards are often found in pairs or even small groups?  It is rare to find a vulture alone.   Remembering a recent sermon with Luke 10:1-25 as the text, I again considered that Jesus sent out pairs of servants to spread the Word.  But sometimes, my heart feels alone.  How easy it is to become self-focused, embracing a martyr attitude much like Elijah when he said in I Kings 18:22, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord.”  In that sermon, my pastor emphasized the importance of community and fellowship with others.  God has replayed this same scene through-out the entire Bible demonstrating our need to be in relationship both with Him and with other humans.  During the creation story, as God reflected on each day’s work of creation, He concluded it was good.  However, in Genesis 2:18 after he formed man and placed him in the Garden of Eden, God determined that “It is not good that man should be alone” and began making a companion for him.  It is truly GOOD to be in this thing called life with others.  The example of these buzzard buddies encourages me to reach out to my buddies both to encourage and to receive encouragement.  I am grateful for the rich relationships in my life and overwhelmed at God’s goodness and provision.   I am NOT alone!

Perspective is another concept to consider while watching these old buzzards.  You can’t tell it from the picture, but that light fixture is pretty high up providing the perfect perch to get a “bird’s eye” view.  These two pals may be checking out the lunch choices!   At times, my perspective more closely resembles that of a busy, hungry mouse running around in a maze on the hunt for that next bit of cheese.  Vocabulary.com explains that perspective has a Latin root that means “look through.” Sometimes, in my head, I hear the voice of my former business partner say, “Remember to look at it from the client’s point of view.”  Whatever the situation, taking the time to intentionally consider other people’s perspective often leads to care and concern rather than argument and discord.  

 Looking for God’s perspective is always the best!  God’s word is the perfect place to learn about His point of view.  God speaks to the Israelite nation through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 43.  In verse 4 God says, “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”  As an adopted child of God, He sees me that same way.  God also tells me to trust Him for direction and instruction.  He wants the very best for me and will not lead me into harm’s way.  He desires for me to put on the very mind of Christ.  A verse that has often calmed my anxious spirit is Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”  Won’t you join me in seeking God’s perspective in everything and in every situation?  Let’s learn to “look through” God’s eyes. 

Perhaps the most important concepts I witnessed in the visiting vultures is that of identity and purpose.   Technically, the birds I saw are Black Vultures, but in Texas most folks just call them buzzards.  It doesn’t really matter what anyone calls them, God gave them their real identity when He created them.  He appointed them as creatures that serve a purpose.  Stating the obvious, they were created to eat the remains of dead animals.  While many of us find their diet offensive, we are also greatly blessed by the results.  We often joke about them and may even view their presence as an omen of impending death.  However, God entrusted to buzzards an important practical job.  God designed them without feathers on their heads, gave them excellent eye sight, and equipped them with talons and beaks well suited to fulfill their job responsibilities.  

Likewise, God tells us that He knits us together in our mother’s womb.  He creates each human being unique from every other human.  Just think, there is so one else just like you!  He gives each one of us special abilities and talents, unique personalities, and allows us to experience different life lessons so that we are perfectly suited to serve Him.  He really does give us all that we need to do what he calls us to do.  I am very blessed to work in a profession that fits me well.  I hope you can say the same thing.  May we all accept the attributes and even the challenges of our own personal identity as a gift from the Lord.  It is my desire to express worship to my Maker through my labor. 

These buzzards also help us to see that serving God is not limited to church work and mission trips.  Often the less esteemed jobs are the most needed.  We should watch for opportunities to express gratitude to those who serve us in both small and big ways.   

Who would have thought that a couple of buzzards could remind us what God says about relationships, perspective, identity, and purpose! Let’s keep our eyes open and our hearts ready to hear what God wants to tell us!    I can’t help but wonder what He’ll send to catch my attention next time.