Here is the picture of “Shadow” the red tail hawk I trained for falconry a couple of years ago. When I’ve completed the log house construction, (in a few months), I’m looking forward to getting back in my hobby of falconry, which I’ve done for 18 years.
These birds are amazing. The skills they use to hunt, the abilities they possess for flying, their keen eyesight, all make these birds of prey a creature of beauty to be around and fly. They already know how to hunt, they just have to get use to being around me. Every bird I’ve used in falconry over the years quickly adjusted to flying to my glove, allowing me to “partner” with them on their hunting adventures. What do I admire most about hawks and birds of prey? There ability to wait. Huh?
Take a look for yourself. When do you normally see a hawk or eagle or other bird of prey? Yep, you see them casually sitting in a tree or on a light pole. Maybe you see them effortlessly circling high in the sky. They are waiting. Waiting on the next opportunity to catch a meal.
They are sitting on go. The bird is very much prepared for the next move. I’ve never noticed any of my falconry birds (ten different hawks and owls the past few years) act as if they are anxious, or fretful,………. or worried. They just wait……. I wish I could be more like that.
[Confession time] I get in a hurry sometimes. I get anxious and even worried for what is usually no reason at all. But I’m ready to go. Get the show on the road, hit the trail, move it. But what is truly necessary is for me to WAIT.
Last week we were full steam ahead on the log home moving and construction. This week,…….. a delay. Probably the first delay of many to come.. My construction guy in Colorado is building a house currently. He will have to get finished with it before he starts mine. There is a problem with the painting of his current project, and it’s pushing everything (including my log home project) back two weeks. (or more). So, I got to wait.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Waiting on the construction of my log home is a good physical example of my also waiting on God in my spiritual journey. Don’t you sometimes feel like God could be moving at a faster pace in your life? I mean if you could do this, or have this to happen, then you could go ahead and get this, that, or the other done. I’ve even had times where I’ve suddenly felt closer to God, and that’s when I wanted to go out and DO something good. But wait……..
God’s got a much better idea and plan for your life. Wait on Him. I’m not saying wait on the couch with a sack of ‘tater chips!!! I’m saying that you and I need to be like “Shadow” the hawk. Be prepared, be in tune, be sitting on go! Opportunities are provided to us by God Himself. Opportunities to show others His love, opportunities to Be a Christian in everyday activities. But the most important opportunity is when our Lord and Saviour gives us a chance, or allows something to happen that helps us draw closer to Him. Many times that involves waiting.
So, wait,…….wait on the Lord,……… then fly my friend, FLY!!!
See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher
