Tig the tiny owl

Last week we visited a Birds of Prey centre in Devon, The Yarak Centre. We were a bit alarmed that we were the only ones there but when it came to the flying display that turned into a real bonus. Because we were the only ones there the staff brought the display to us. A tiny owl with a big growl, called Tiger (the owl, not the growl) was first. He was so cute, and we all had the chance to have him fly to us (onto the gauntlet we wore). We were also treated to seeing a Harris Hawk very close up, and I was buzzed by a larger owl.

Finally we were treated to a flight by a falcon. The falconer released the falcon and it darted away. It was flying hard and soon gained distance and height. After a minute or so it was hundreds of feet in the air, soaring on thermals to gain height, and it was several miles away. The falconer waved a lure and the bird changed its attitude. Suddenly it started to swoop downwards and gained incredible speed as it brought its wings in close to its body. It hurtled over the fence and landed on the lure. It was very impressive.

I reflected on that today and was reminded of these words in Isaiah 40:

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Like the falcon, eagles use thermals to soar to great heights in order to be able to get a good view of potential prey. It requires no effort on their part as they are lifted by the warm air currents. I think, having seen the falcon, for the first time I have realised that what God was saying through Isaiah is that if we soar on the thermals of his Spirit we do not need to exert ourselves. We do not need to stress and be anxious. We can rise up because he is beneath our wings.

Be blessed, be a blessing.