Head shot of a barking owl, ninox connivens, called the winking owl.

                                   

 

 By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

 

 

Earth’s creatures—our teachers?

Watching rabbits in our yard, here in Arizona where my husband Gary and I have lived for 30-some years, has been a pleasure–plus, a bit of a learning experience. They are both wise and not so wise: dumb bunnies. They do like sneaking into gardens. Not caring about the ramifications of their actions.

It is fun to watch them chase each other and jump both high and low, perhaps for the effect this may have on the opposite sex.

It would be interesting to know if animals, both large and small, are aware of God’s presence on the earth. During early evenings, rabbits are frequently sitting still in the shade of a bush or a tree with eyes closed. Seems they may be meditating. Or, simply enjoying some quiet time, while sensing the goodness of “Presence.” Surely God loves and enjoys His dear rabbits as much as He enjoys us.

Is that a new idea? Have you not felt God’s good pleasure on your soul? A warmth between your shoulders during moments when you felt “all’s well in the world?”

It takes finding a safe place with the right timing to be quiet enough to lift one’s soul into the presence of Almighty God . . . then to feel that beam from heaven. Are we willing to take time aside to enjoy “relationship” with the One who surely holds purpose for our lives?

Our yard is large with lots of trees and bushes that often carry beautiful flowers. We don’t have a dog and our children are raised so this piece of God’s Paradise has become an animal preserve for rabbits, coyotes, roadrunners, and quail. And, don’t forget the “nuisancing” effects of all the lizards who leave their “holey” evidence. Birds, bees and butterflies all speak of God’s goodness. For surely it is evident here on terra firma that each plays a role toward keeping nature’s balance as pertains to long standing ecological homeostasis.

Back to the inward quiet side of ourselves: Is it about time for doing more of it? Joy can roll through the soul when stillness of body and soul takes over our beingness for long moments. Basking in the truth that God’s plan includes many forms of life, much of which brings pure joy to us  . . . when we take time to watch for it.

“Peace be still” were Jesus’ words during a storm on troubled waters (Mark 4:39, American Standard Bible.)

Author info.:

Joy Le Page Smith is a board certified clinical chaplain. View — FREE — her children’s book, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places, at healing-with-Joy. com. Multiple helps can also be found on her website, prepared for people who are struggling for varied reasons. 

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