On a summer day in the Colorado mountains, I settled along a stream bank to watch my husband fly fish for the ever-evasive trout. I chose not to fish, but rather to sit, watch, and enjoy nature. My decision was quickly rewarded. God delighted me by giving unexpected gifts!
God’s Gifts in Nature
I spotted several small water birds dipping in and out of the water looking for bugs. Their babies chirped loudly from a nest on a nearby cliff ledge. Their bouncing pattern – up and down – in the stream bed revealed they were Water Ouzel parents raising and feeding new chicks. It was a joy to watch!
Suddenly, movement on the opposite stream bank drew my eyes upward. Moving slowly through rocks and trees, a light brown shape appeared that resembled a small bear cub, but with much shorter legs and a flat head. Looking closer, I noticed a distinctive white stripe stretching from neck to nose surrounded by black patches.
A badger! I had never encountered one in all my mountain adventures. Now here was one sitting across the stream watching me with curiosity. Normally solitary and secretive animals, his interest in me was surprising. I suspect he was hunting the Water Ouzels, but it wasn’t his lucky day. The bird’s warning cries and agile movements kept them from being easy targets. The badger soon moved back up the hillside.
Being outside, especially in the Rocky Mountains, is a true joy for me. It’s where I found God’s presence in my early 20’s as I climbed mountains and reveled in the beauty I discovered. So impactful were these mountain experiences that I changed my college major so I could help preserve God’s beauty. That’s a story for another day!
Although I am much older now, my love of the mountains remains. I refresh my outlook and feel God’s peace whenever I chose a mountain adventure, even one as simple as sitting along the stream.
God Delights in Giving Gifts
Through water ouzels and the first-time sighting of a badger I experienced God’s presence that day, reminding me that He knows me and that He sees me. It’s like a hug and a kiss from a loving Father. I know God delights in giving gifts to me that both lift my spirits and fulfill the desire of my heart to experience his creation.
Do you have similar experiences? Where do you feel God’s presence and experience delightful gifts from Him? I would love to know. Feel free to share below in the comments.
P.S. I did catch a fish that day. 🙂
I recently was given a candle from someone I didn’t even know made candles. I’ve only met them once before many years ago. They said God told them to make me a candle. Talk about a gift/ a hello in physical form direct from God. My my my. You better believe I cried that day 😭