(I’ve been meaning to update this thing for at least a week now. But with all of the Christmas and New Year goings-on, I was too overwhelmed to sit down and write out a coherent thought. I’m still in the middle of being busy, but here is my attempt anyway.)
Nothing like watching the dark give way to dawn out in the country. I did just that this morning with Beloved. We went down to the bottom pasture and sat for hours waiting for deer (in hunting mode). But while one waits, it’s neat to listen to that hollow wake up. There was the first bird clearing its throat with an improvised operetta and then settling down to its simple folk tune. Then came the squirrel, alternately barking to announce the presence of intruders and squeaking under its breath. I could just hear it: “Hey! HEEYY!!! There’s PEOPLE under here! (pesky kids, can’t leave an old rodent alone, always coming down here to sit under my tree…)” And, of course, there were the cows in the next pasture. One would give a yell, and a young cowlet would echo back. At nine-fifteen one of them proceeded to chime the hour… of eight o’clock. We decided that cows cannot count very far past four because they run out of hooves.
This scene has unfolded every time I’ve been there to witness it. I’m sure it occurs in a similar fashion every morning: these simple creatures awakening with such beautiful songs on their lips as no composer has been able to capture. The cattle lowing sounds long and deep through the valley, sending up thanks for the coming day of food and the comfort of community. The birds nesting high in the trees render praise for the light and warmth of the sun. Even the squirrel’s chatter reveals his gratitude in having a home to guard from strange two-legged animals.
The heavens declares the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1
With a landscape like this, I wouldn’t be surprised if the very rocks did cry out their Creator’s praise. It’s astounding. And I don’t have enough words to describe it, but I’m sure most if not all of you can relate to what I’ve written. If not, I’ll gladly take half an hour of your life to enlighten you. Or better yet, go experience it yourself.
Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Job 37:14
mmmm….that sounds beautiful.