The other day my husband called me downstairs, telling me to "walk slowly". Wondering what I was in trouble for this time, I did as he asked. When I got to the den, he told me to look out the window. We have two big bay windows on the back side of our house, one in the breakfast room and one in the den. I again followed his command. And I'm glad I did. There by the pool was a big beautiful bird. I mean, really big. It was a blue heron (except in my excitement I kept calling it a blue "herring.") I ran to get the camera and we managed to get several shots of the bird. He seemed to be aware of us and actually did a pose just for our picture. Then when my husband stood up by the French door the bird lifted up and flew into the trees. It was one of those moments where you wonder if you truly saw what you just saw. I'm glad we captured it with the camera because I don't think anyone would believe us. It's rare for such a bird to land inside a residential neighborhood. We wondered where the bird had come from and I hoped he'd find his way to a safe pond or bayou. The big bird might have been out of his element, but he handled the situation with grace and dignity.
But this got me to thinking about all the "blue herrings" in life. We all know about "red herrings" in our fiction, of course. Those are "planted" clues we use to distract the reader and our characters. But what is a "blue herring?" I think that term can be applied to the unexpected in our lives and our stories. Seeing this bird was very unexpected and for just a few precious moments, he visited our back yard and graced us with his quiet beauty. I believe God plants such moments in our lives just to remind us to "walk slowly" so we don't miss the little surprises around each turn. So the next time you witness something unique or different in your life, remember the blue heron. Sometimes we only get a few moments to see one of God's beautiful masterpieces. Those unexpected moments are our opportunity to slow down and appreciate all the beauty in life.
8 comments:
I was interested in reading your comments on the Blue Heron, Lenora. I don't intend to be dealing in "upmanship," but we have a farm pond close to our house. Almost daily, we have blue herons fishing in the pond. And when we walk along our country roads, we often see a blue heron flying out of the small creek along the road. I was pleased to hear the joy this unusual bird brought to your family. Although they're a common bird in our neighborhood, I'm pleased that you saw this one, and that this sighting led to your thoughtful message. Irene Brand
Lenora, The blue heron looks like the same one who "summers" out in front of our lake cottage. I'm so glad he stopped and said, "Hey, Lenora!" And you're right about those little "treats" God sends us.
He must love us or something!
I am always in awe when I see one of those birds, which seem to be more and more often these days. I can’t help but think of God when I do see them, so intriguing and magnificent they are. Thanks for sharing your experience. What a blessings.
Thanks, Irene and Lyn. Maybe this one is heading back up to see both of you! I wish he'd visit more often.
Thanks, Kym. Glad you enjoyed reading about my visitor.
I love moments like that. I once got within a few feet of a doe. What I knew more than anything is that the doe didn't like it, his mother didn't like it, and so I carefully reversed my quad and drove away, leaving nature to its peace. But, first, like you, I took a snapshot.
Hi Lenora. I love moments like that too. We have herons that stop by our lakes on the golf course here in AZ. They are such a sight to see and it is weird to see them so far from their home. I think they must like the weather here. We also have bobcats and javelina that wander through.
that is so cool!
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