Black Bear (Canada)
John Miller
05/04/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 5/3/21 __________________________________________________________________ "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." - Ps. 71:18 |
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It was early in the morning in a lush meadow near the Canadian border when this bear slowly appeared and stopped to enjoy his surroundings. He knew I was there but it didn't seem to bother him at all. Perhaps animals can sense when they are in danger or not, or perhaps it was just because he knew that if I tried to harm him he could easily take care of me. For whatever the reason, he settled into the tall grass and allowed me to photograph him. He looked old and battle-scarred to me but very content nonetheless. No doubt he had fought many battles, sired many cubs, and experienced the many ups and downs of being a bear. He was a black bear even though his coat was brown and he wore his scarred body with dignity. Maybe he sensed he was coming to the end of his life, or maybe it was just because he was tired, but he sat gazing at his surroundings with what I thought was a contented look on his face for quite a long time. I felt a connection with him. My own body is scarred with the hardships of life and I too enjoy the simple pleasure of relaxing in the natural world to contemplate my past and ponder the future. What have I done that I wish I could undo? What has brought me pleasure and what has caused me pain? What trivial things have consumed me while I neglected what was really important? Old age brings such thoughts to mind. But here is what drives me, what I wish to accomplish before I die, what I think about and pray for daily,"O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." If I could do that before I die, I will be able to lie down in my meadow and die in peace. What we pass on to the next generation matters. - John
