The Smallest Detail

It wasn’t until the leaves fell off our front Maple Tree that we discovered the tiny condo that was built high up on a branch. It is snuggled between two branches that continue skyward. The tree itself is only about 20 feet high with small branches. The little nest is secured by a fine weaving method out of very small twigs. Whoever built it had the intention to come back to their summer home.

This winter we have had some howling winds that have shaken the small tree. At one point heavy snow came down and filled the very small nest making it look like a Muffin with Cream Cheese icing on it. But this little domicile is as sturdy as ever.

Today it is ready for the owners to return. Only the owner will take it over as it is just too small to allow a bigger bird to nest there.

In our area we have a series of constant attacks by home invaders of the birds. The larger black birds and the crows are a constant threat to all the little nesting creatures. This small bird however chose a tree with large Maple leaves that easily cover the nest. The leaves are about four times the size of this nest. Smart little fellow I’d say.

As my thoughts of yesterday continue to ponder the wonder of a creation that is so massive, I am deeply moved to watch this tiny nest just outside my front room window. The absolute wonder of my God and his creative ability moves me. The vast extent of and variety of the creation around me stops me in my tracks.

We are in the dieing stages of winter in Ontario now. Two nights ago, the last time the Sun shone here, at about 5:00 PM – the scene on our back deck was amazing. The sun was low on the horizon and brightly beating in our bedroom window, spilling light across our bed. Immediately outside our bedroom door is the deck that is covered with a soft blanket of snow that is still about 12 inches deep. This deck is surrounded with the posts of the railing. The sun drew dark shadows in the soft snow as it spilled through the railing. The snow itself with the angle of the sun’s rays sparkled brightly – but more than that it was an orange and golden glowing colour.

As an artist there is no way that I can imitate this beauty of two nights ago. The greater wonder is that two days later on an overcast day, I can remember the colour. I will bask in this scene that is now in my memory – again and again. It is tucked there beside the vibrant colour of last fall’s leaves changing and right near the sound of the gentle breeze of last summer through our front tree on that hot afternoon.

In these past 24 hours my thoughts have ranged from the wonder of a Universe above me to the amazing little nest that is cuddled in the branches before me.

Creation is amazing. The one who made it all is real and so very powerful. There is nothing that he cannot do.

As I stepped out the front door this morning it is still and cool. But just down the street and in a very high tree is a very small bird. I can’t see him yet as it is still in the early hours of today. But is he every singing! And what a song it is. Who taught him to reach that beautiful range and gave him such a heart to sing so loudly?

My little world is simply amazing. How about yours? But then with such an amazing God – what else should we expect?

WOW!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

This portion of scripture is plucked from a paragraph in The Message… and so clearly points to the wonder of God…from Romans 1: 18-23 – The Message..

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse.