Time Has Been Kind
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
I call him Big Boy. It’s curious that he has survived this long in this county called hunter’s haven. He looks healthy and carries himself with almost a sense of royalty as he parades around in front of his herd of females.
This morning as I called my deer friends for breakfast, he came barreling down through the field. I wasn’t sure that he was going to stop but at the last second, he made an abrupt halt and all the doe scattered—giving him space to eat more than his fair share of apples, carrots, sweet feed, and corn.
By the looks of him, he has seen many seasons. He is muscular, well-nourished and seems to know his place in his community. Drivers stop to oooh and aaah over him. I am sure some of the trucks are trying to figure out how to lure him away from the village or maybe they’ll just break the law. Big Boy shows little fear of humans. (That is a good thing here in the little village of Arnot, but not out in the woods.)
Big Boy has weathered the brutal winters well. As I watch him eating, I can’t help but wonder where he goes. It appears that time has been good to him. He is truly a beautiful animal, aged with several years of experience and survival.
Watching him makes me think about my own life. I wonder if others are able to see my maturity as a Christian. Do I come across as royalty and an heir of Jesus Christ? Can others see Jesus in me? Am I willing to fight for what is right? Will others see me as caring and protective—just like Big Boy guards his herd.
I’m not sure what lies ahead for him during deer season, but I know he will leave a legacy. The new fawns of spring will attest to his presence. The legacy I leave won’t be quite so noticeable. Or will it?
Father God, thank You for all the lessons You teach through nature and for my eyes that see and my mind that ponders these things. Help me to be more noticeable for Your sake. AMEN
Photograph Michael Johnston