Screech Owl
John Miller
05/27/19
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 5/27/19 ____________________________________________________________________ "At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.'" - Mt. 11:25 |
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The eastern screech owl is the smallest owl we have but its voice is one of the loudest. Because of its small size, its coloration which blends in perfectly with the trees it frequents, and its propensity for hiding in the crevices of those trees, this little fellow is seldom seen in daylight. I did not see this particular owl until someone pointed it out to me. What wonderful treasures God has put in small packages! Look at those eyes. This little guy can see things in the dead of night that I never could. Jesus often spoke of people who had eyes but could not see. He said in order to understand we had to humble ourselves and become like children. He also said that those the world considers to be wise are, in fact, fools. The Christian faith is not a faith that one arrives at by superior logic (although it is not illogical), nor is it purely rational (although it is not irrational), but it is a faith that comes to people whose hearts have been changed by the Spirit of God. There has to be a realization of who we are on our best days which, if we are honest with ourselves, will result in the abandonment of our pride as well as a realization of our inability to fix what we have found. When it comes to spiritual matters, we are not as wise as we formerly thought. We must become as children, resting in the presence of One we acknowledge as superior to us in every way. Then, and only then, will we begin to understand. Then, and only then, will we be given eyes that can see. It is a sobering truth that this enlightenment is hidden from those who believe they have found all that is worthy of finding. The way up begins with descending, and a vessel must be emptied before it can be filled. True wisdom, as well as screech owls, can only be found in hidden places by people with contrite hearts. - John
