Oh, the Strength of the Eagle!
But they that wait upon 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 (TLB)
ME: Jesus, seeing a bald eagle in the wild still increases my heart rate. What magnificent creatures they are!
JESUS: Yes, I know, and you are not alone.
ME: They look so alert and…well…all-knowing, like they see more than we can imagine.
JESUS: Your perceptions are correct. That is why the Words of Scripture alludes to them and offers characteristics of merit.
ME: Jesus, I feel like I need more strength. Look, I can’t even run anymore. Some days my balance is so off that putting on my socks needs careful planning. The stairs are hard work and the desire to go above and beyond just isn’t there like it used to be.
JESUS: (laughing) Yes, are you complaining? I know you too well! But you must remember that you are not young anymore. I remember the days when you would stay up late cooking meals for sick friends, take a day off from work to help get them to appointments and clean and walk the dogs. You had that strength when you needed it. I watched and smiled.
ME: But why can’t I have it again?
JESUS: Tell me why you want it?
ME: Oh, … Well…I don’t really know other than to have it ready if I need to use it.
JESUS: Do you not think that I will give you exactly what you need in each circumstance? Have I ever let you down before?
ME: No, Lord Jesus, You have not. I don’t want You to think I’m not grateful because I am. You have walked with me all these years and I have never felt closer to You than now. (Pause) Could it be that the world just seems further away now that I’m older. I never thought of that before. Really, I only want to run with You without falling down. I still want to make a difference.
JESUS: I am making that happen. Your spiritual strength is getting stronger every day. You have no need to run any kind of marathons anymore. Slow and steady wins the race.
ME: That makes me feel so much better. But Jesus…I have one request.
JESUS: Yes, I’m listening.
ME: Please let my heart always beat faster when I see a bald eagle.
JESUS: Request granted.
Photo: Michael Johnston 1/31/25