Watching

At my desk this morning, a movement to the right attracted my attention.  On the window ledge, a chipmunk peered at me from the other side of the window, and seemed startled to see me.  They have been underground most of the winter, but they couldn't resist coming out on such a fine day as this.

Later, from the entrance to the chipmunk's den, a toad peeked out from under sleepy eyelids. Life is full of surprises.

About ten deer frequent our place (with additional visitors on occasion).  We watch them from our windows, and we almost feel like they're part of our extended family.

This buck has recently shed his antlers, and in so doing, left a little of his majesty laying on the forest floor.

This morning he scratches, beset by an unseen foe.

One of the yearling bucks, seen here with his mother, showed up with a damaged leg early last week.  He wouldn't put any weight on it at all, and we hoped it wasn't broken.  He stayed close to his mother, who fought off the other deer that tried to crowd in while he was eating.  As of yesterday, it looks like he's improving.

It's always hard to see an animal suffer, and as beautiful as it is here, there are frequent such reminders that this isn't paradise yet.  We watch for the day when the Lord Jesus will make everything new, where

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,

for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

His invitation is extended to everyone:

To him who is thirsty,

I will give to drink from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 21:6

In the meantime, we watch, and we're not the only ones.  Eagles leave here this time of year, and the other day, as we were eating lunch, a mature bald eagle soared in our direction on strong, swift wings, and sailed directly over the house, as if to say, "I've been watching you. I'll be back."

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