On Eagles' Wings

The best part of ice coming off the lake (besides the hope of spring) is when the bald eagles camp out near the open water.  The spotting scope is stationed on the kitchen table and we watch as they do what eagles do.  I don't have a camera as strong as the scope, but this picture is of an adolescent.  So cool!

Interesting that my devotional today takes me to Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in (wait upon) the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

In ancient Hebrew culture eagles were revered as strong warriors, birds of prey that also hold a tender side for their young. Eagles were known to carry their young to safety in times of threat from predators. Eagles were also thought to shed their feathers in a type of rebirth/regeneration to invigorate themselves to a form of their youth. Eagles were also known and revered for their strength and courage in high winds and stormy weather. They had the ability to fly about the prevailing weather patterns and soar over the storm to safety.

I have witnessed the tender side of a mother eagle for her young. She "brought home the bacon" and stood aside as her children enjoyed the meal first. (ie: diver duck met it's match).

The other scripture that spoke to me today was Lamentations 3:24-26 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.  NIV

These are the words that jumped out at me:
Wait
Hope
Seek
Wait

Interesting. The eagle:
Waits and hopes with anticipation of the prey.
Seeks the meal and apprehends.
Waits until her young are done eating before she does.

Bringing this to what I think He's trying to say to me today...

There's a whole lot of waiting going on. 
Waiting with expectation and hope of outcome.
Seeking while waiting.
Wait some more.

An important piece to this waiting equation comes in words before - Lamentations 3:22.
The Lord's....compassions never fail.

The Lord has a track record. Isaiah remembers.
As must I.  As must we all.
He is faithful.  As we prepare for Easter, how can we not help but be reminded of how He loves us!

Seek Him all the while.  Dig into His word always. Know His thoughts. Know His character. Know He is there during the waiting.

Lovin' me some "in your face" eagle moments.
On eagles wings...not sprouting your own and flying off, but soaring in His strength.

Blessings,
Amy

P.S.
Yes, the de-cluttering continues!
It's slowed now that I have started to sell items, but continue to dig out in the recesses of closets, buffets, and all the unforgotten closed doors.  It's humbling, invigorating, and time consuming.  But it will all be worth it.

482 items
1,518 to go!  Wahoo!