I watched a nature dance today. As I drove
past Nose Hill Park in Calgary, I noticed three deer sticking close together in
a herd. Then I noticed two coyotes on this side of the deer, two more to the
west of the trio, and one more behind the deer. I realized I was watching a
coyote hunt. They were working as a pack to corral the deer, assessing which of
the three moved most slowly through the deep snow, watching for any signs of
weakness. The coyotes were moving with a circular motion around the deer and
the whole collection of animals was moving in a westward direction. The
resulting appearance made one think of choreographed dance – but a deadly one!
There was a good chance that one of the dancers was about to die. I could not
stay long enough to see the final result but I think I might go by later and
look for signs of blood in the snow or any other evidence of a struggle. It was
a beautiful, sad, and noble thing to see. This was how things were designed to
be. This was the struggle of life and death; of one carbon-based creature
seeking metabolic energy from another carbon-based creature. The deer had been
doing the same just a few minutes before this as they munched on the dry grass
of the park; chewing up the life of a plant that lived and died upon the land.
I thought about how fragile life can be. I
thought about my own struggles and the things I must do to find sufficient energy
to keep my carbon-based metabolism running smoothly. God has crafted me with
the same care with which he prepared the deer and coyotes to interact. He has
even used several of the same principles. I am not God’s pet; I am his child.
He wants me to go out into the world and find my way. He wants me to be mature
and look for my place in the ecosystem. I am like one of those coyotes. I must
look for ways in which I can create lasting sustenance for myself and for my
pack. I must serve the greater bio-system.
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings. - Psalm 36:5-7
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings. - Psalm 36:5-7
