Distraction of Discovery!
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”—Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
| Hi Friend! I have been doing a lot of bird watching lately. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn about God through His creation. I hope you will be inspired of a recent insight. As I watched the shadow of a heron glide through the sky, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “They’re back!” The much-anticipated spring season was near, with the extended daylight hours and the grass turning into a vibrant green. In addition, flocks of birds were returning robins, hummingbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, and herons! Each one brings beauty, both in its appearance and melodious song. Among these birds, the herons hold a special place in my heart. These graceful creatures bring a peaceful presence wherever they land. They stand still like statues after wading gracefully into the water. There is a blend of elegance and power as they spread their wings and skim across the water. Their flight is so close to the surface that their wingtips barely touch it, leaving behind a gentle trail of ripples. The herons teach us the significance and value of quiet patience and unwavering devotion. Regardless of the weather, they exhibit persistence while diligently seeking food. It brings to mind Psalm 27:14 (TLB), which says, “Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait, and he will help you.” Herons are unique in their nesting habits. They live in communities, building their homes with others in the same tree. Before the leaves emerge on the bare cottonwood trees, their large nests can be easily spotted with the silhouette of an adult heron standing watch over the eggs. Some trees may have as many as 50 pairs of herons in one tree, a fascinating and rare sight. It is also a unique demonstration of the power of unity. By nesting together, herons can protect each other’s young. Similarly, in our faith communities, we find strength and support, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV). He wrote, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Paul’s message encourages us to draw strength from our shared faith, find comfort and unity within our faith-based community, and support one another. It never ceases to amaze me how God continually teaches us through His creation, and today, it was the Great Blue Heron. Like these majestic birds who wait patiently to find food and nest together to protect their young, we can learn to trust in God’s timing and support each other daily. How can we demonstrate patience, unity, and love in our immediate circle of family and friends? Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, Thank You for the lessons You reveal through Your creations, like the Great Blue Heron. Please help me develop the qualities I witness in these majestic birds. Help me trust Your timing and guide me in supporting others in my faith community. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen. I don’t know what might be laying heavy on your heart today. My prayer is that you will sense that you are not alone. God cares about your deepest and your smallest concerns. May God surround you with a caring community. |
| Peg has several resources just for you. Visual Aids? How do Props captivate an audience? https://speakupconference.com/using-visual-aids-to-engage-yo… Free Speaker Summit Want to learn more about a speaking ministry? Learn from from respected speakers. You can sign up for free or for a small fee. Listen at your convenience. https://24-speaker-training-summit.heysummit.com/?sc=Wbj5ry3k&ac=sSf30wkUlink Podcast Interviews Watch for new interviews coming up. God Talks will be released soon! Contact Peg for your next event Peg has a few fall 2024 openings and is scheduling for 2025. |
| Join Peg at one of the conferences this summer in Michigan or Texas |
| Peg will be teaching at Speak Up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Christian Communicators in Texas this summer. Check them out. https://speakupconference.com/events/ https://christiancommunicators.com/ |
Devotions for the Distracted Heart 