God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!” God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters,
And every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean! Birds, reproduce on Earth!”
It was evening, it was morning—Day five.
God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.” And there it was:wild animals of every kind,
Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.
God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1: 20-25 MSG
Scrambling squirrels distracted me. When I began reading my Bible, sounds of scampering critters caused me to look up. For several minutes, I watched their fascinating exhibition.
When we moved into our new home years ago, spindly trees lined the shore. They produced little food and offered no hiding place for squirrels. When friends complained about the pesky ruffians, I had no gripes since none came to my yard.
However, time changed that. Bald cypress towered over my yard. The oak spread its limbs higher than the roof. Somehow, the squirrels learned about the changed environment.
A few squirrels would appear and run around the area. Then, a whole community of the creatures raced around my trees and yard in a frenzy.
Instead of merely darting from tree to tree, they developed a unique combination of running a few steps and then leaping higher than their bodies like tiny gymnasts.
Over and over, pairs would circle trunks in a game of tag. They tore through limbs, dropped to the ground, and ran to another tree.
I searched high above me to see leaves jiggle with their antics. The elevations, compared to their small stature, would be like me scaling the Empire State Building. They leapt from limb to limb and tree to tree at incredible heights with no hesitation.
Youngsters tried to keep up with the older ones as they bolted across the grass. A trio stopped to dance in a circle before resuming their race.
Their energy and constant movement astounded me. Occasionally, they growled or squealed at each other.
Tiny feet grasped the bark whether going up or down. Dizziness must not have affected their downward runs. Not one fell to the ground.
I had no idea why the small number quickly turned into a whole village. They provided enjoyment, amazement, and inspiration.
They persevered despite obstacles and faced the fear of their surroundings. In addition, they used the way God made them to fulfill His purpose.
As I prepared to go inside, a rabbit stopped to look at me, and a pair of Monarch butterflies flitted around my yard. More evidence of the beauty of God’s creation that continues to teach and amaze me. How thankful I am.
Creator, the intricacies and abundance in creation delight and overwhelm me. I am filled with thankfulness for what You have provided. You constantly teach through nature.
Amen
