Protected

I recently had an encounter with a great horned owl, an experience that touched something deep inside me.

On this particular day, I awoke much earlier than the rest of my family. With the recessed lighting on the dimmest setting, I relaxed in the solitude and quiet to enjoy my morning cup of coffee and read about one of the greatest men who ever lived: Abram.

Then in the predawn hours, I heard it just outside my back door. Who-h-who... who... who. (Listen)

My dog lay sleeping on her warm pillow, oblivious to the great nocturnal creature somewhere outside the window.

Noiselessly, I unlocked the door and tiptoed onto the deck. The sun was just breaking onto the horizon and the purple and orange glow was visible in the east. I could see the silhouettes of trees and houses, and I stood motionless in the morning chill. Then I heard it again. Who-h-who... who... who.

The owl was right there, not 20 yards from me, perched on the snow-tipped aspen branches, it's shape obscured by a smaller fir nearby.

To this lover of God's amazing creation, an incredible opportunity presented itself: to view the great horned owl, not in a cage, and oh so close.

Within 3 minutes, I heard it again. Such a beautiful sound, breaking the stillness of the night, the only noise except for a few early morning commuters. Carefully, I inched forward to see if I could catch a glimpse of the majestic creature.

I will tell you, however, that an owl's hearing is quite superior to my hearing. I observed the Aspen branches shake and bend beneath the owl's weight as he sprang into the air. Only milliseconds later, I saw his darkened shape swoop towards the ground, nearly touching the sparse snowy grass. He ascended quietly and effortlessly, and I watched briefly as he soared to a remote tree. I stood, transfixed to my spot, and after 5 minutes, I heard it again. This time the sound was more distant but again quite distinct. Who-h-who... who... who. A second voice returned his call from an outlying tree, much quieter and a little higher. Who-h-who... who... who. A female.

It was a beautiful experience as the sun peeked further above the neighboring houses. No one else was stirring. There were no other sounds. I stood and soaked up the scene until my body began to shiver and the sun exposed the day.

In the splendor of that moment, there was also a grave danger. The owl is a majestic bird, inspiring countless animal lovers to admire it's unique beauty. This creature is an avian wonder, unless of course, you happen to be a rabbit. Then it becomes a source of terror to be avoided at all costs. In the same backyard where I heard this owl, sat our black & white, lop-eared pet rabbit, Eugene. As I observed this lovely scene, he lay safely protected in his cage, most likely resting on his warm bed of straw, hearing what I was hearing only yards away.

I wondered if my rabbit felt fear as he heard the hoots. I don't think so. You see, Eugene sits under that fir tree every day, enjoying his daytime freedom, knowing that he is safe with our dog prowling the yard. The dog and the rabbit have a unique relationship. Our dog, Winnie has killed a wild rabbit that unknowingly entered our protective fence. But Winnie knows Eugene is different. He safeguards him from the hawks and owls that threaten his very existence.

Sometimes we are not aware of our own protection by our Creator. We feel that the limits of our life, our "cage," keep us from enjoying the freedom that exists. But I believe that our God is wise and sometimes does not answer all of our questions with a 'yes,' or allow us to experience all that we desire. He hears, sees and knows all that is around us. And he protects us, despite our occasional obliviousness.

We have a great protector, diligently watching over his creation. It is our responsibility to develop a loving relationship that opens up to us knowledge of and access to his loving protection. With that understanding, we can view what is around us with eyes of wonder, not eyes that see through fear.

Later that day, Eugene remained safe as the sun took full control of the day and the hoots were no longer audible. The creatures of the night -- the great horned owls -- were still out there. But their threat was lessened as the night had turned to day. Light causes them to fade into the background and wait until dusk comes again. Our rabbit was safe and gently cared for by his canine friend.

We too can rest, and be at peace, knowing that we are fully protected.