Is It a Sign?
by John Sainsbury
I don’t usually write Seeds like this one but today I just had to share something special. Each morning I walk our dog Poppy on the beach near where we live. This morning began the same way as a thousand others. But, as we walked over the hill to the beach and arrived on the sand, we were welcomed by hundreds, possibly thousands, of roosting pink-footed geese all conversing loudly with everyone around them. It was a wonderful sight and sound, as we have been awaiting eagerly for the geese to return to our shores from their summer much further north. What a joyous moment!
But then, turning to look towards the sea, I saw many thousands of seabirds doing their majestic murmuration along the edge of the water. To see all those tiny winged creatures writhing and turning and moving as one is like watching a magnificent dance and it’s truly a sight to see.
But that wasn’t the end of my nature spectacular! As I left the beach, and walked to a little stream where I wash Poppy every day, I saw a brilliant trace of bright turquoise darting across the surface of the water that pours on to the beach. If you’ve ever witnessed, close up, the darting dash of a Kingfisher, you’ll know just how special that is.
Three incredible bird moments in the space of half an hour! I’ve walked here every day for years and I’ve never seen such a combination of wonders. Immediately it made me think, Lord, are you trying to tell me something?
Actually, I’m not sure if God had a specific thing in mind for me today. But one thing I definitely know is that, when we allow ourselves the time and space to witness the spectacular delights of nature, we are reminded that behind all this stands a wonderful Creator God who called every bit of it into being. And He delights to show off His handiwork to any who have the eyes to see. I love it that, right back in the beginning of the Bible, we read, ‘Let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky … And God saw that it was good’ (Genesis 1:20-21).
God is pleased with the winged creatures He made and my sight and sound spectacular this morning was really something to behold. It drew my eyes not only heavenward but to give thanks afresh to the God of all creation. Wherever you find yourself today, I wonder what you will be able to give thanks for among the vast array of God’s grand creation?
John Sainsbury and his wife Sue are part of the leadership team at Ellel Grange. John has served as a church leader for many years, most recently as Lead Pastor of the Garstang Free Methodist Church. He has a passion for seeing many brought into the fulness of life that following Christ brings.
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