Steve and I love Edisto for many reasons. But, one of the most phenomenal aspects of Edisto are the mostly unspoiled beaches and the rich wildlife. In all the times we have been to Edisto, we have never been disappointed by a lack of dolphins, egrets, conch shells, and beautiful sunsets! But that day as we explored, Steve and I were treated to views of butterflies (hundreds) and dragonflies swarming. When we were sitting on the beach talking, we were near a little “stream” leading from a tidal pool to the ocean. The tide was going out. All of a sudden down the little stream floated a baby stingray. I’d never seen a baby stingray before so it was quite impressive and terribly cute (though I hear the babies can hurt you very badly).
We spent the next hour or so watching two baby seagulls and their mom. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the two young birds. It was spell-binding. They would scurry from place to place, looking for food, drinking water, and playing. Their mom walked the shoreline at a great distance from them. While she gave them freedom to play and do as they wished, she was never too far away and seemed to be keeping a watchful eye on them. If the bigger birds tried to pick on the baby ones, the mom would fly over and remedy the situation and then she let the babies go about their leisure again.
I am guessing these seagulls are accustomed to being tossed food by beachgoers because they were VERY territorial. From time to time the mother bird would be edging along the shoreline, minding her own business, but if she got too close to another birds "area," that bird would come at her squawking. She didn’t squawk back, she would simply do a few flutters of her wings and fly away in the direction of her babies. The babies went up and down the shore line, back and forth but the mom was never too far away.
I remember talking to Steve about how much this showed God's nature and I couldn't wait to blog about it. And then, I was reminded of the event last night at EYC. The junior EYC was outside playing a game that created mass confusion. The game was like flag football, without a football … the object was to run from one side of the field to the other and not have your “flags” taken by another player. When 50+ middle schoolers play this game, you can imagine it’s kind of crazy!
I was standing on the sidelines watching and in the midst of the craziness, laughter, and chaos, this one little yellow leaf was floating downward from the sky. It was very peaceful. I doubt if many even noticed it but to me it was peace it the midst of chaos. Another reminder ....
The two moments speak to the character of God in our lives (young and old).
Just like the mother seagull, God is constantly and faithfully watching over us and protecting us, allowing and not allowing things to happen in our lives, and never too far away to rescue us should we need it. God allows us the freedom to search and play.
And, just like the slowly downward drifting leaf, God is peace in the midst of the chaos and business of our lives. A beautiful reminder that the peace of God surpasses all of our understanding and an excellent example of what I think the glory of God looks like.
Finding God in extraordinary places (like Edisto) is usually a fairly easy task. But, if we look for God in the ordinary, everyday (like game time), too, God is likely to remind us of God’s presence and perfect love in most surprising ways.
My challenge to you ... where will you see God this week?
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