This morning I looked out of my kitchen window and noticed the deer was back. She was alone, grazing in the grass and bushes. She has been coming into the backyard every morning for the past few days.
My family and I have been living in Bow for ten years and every year, all year round, deer have come up from the woods into our backyard, sometimes as many as 10 or 12. It used to be an exciting event; for kids and parents. The first one in the family to see a deer (or several) would call out "Guys! There's deer in the backyard!" or one of us would go searching the house to get the others. Everyone would drop what they were doing and rush to the window. We used to marvel at how cute they were and how such beautiful animals would come so close to our house.
Well, this morning the girls were the only ones home, and I casually let them know a deer was in the yard. There was no excitement, as there used to be. Eventually Julia got up and looked out.
Yup, there was a deer in the yard. We enjoy them, but it's not really a big deal anymore. We are starting to take it for granted.
I started thinking about some of the comments Nancy made on 2 Kings 6:15-17. As she reflects "God is always with us". I agree. We can see proof of Him in what he has created. But how much of God's creation; or God's blessings are we taking for granted?
As Nancy urges us "So let's look around and be more aware of how God is helping us", I'm reminded that I'm guilty of taking God's blessings for granted. Sometimes I get angry that God isn't answering my prayers because I have family members who are not saved. I don't see big changes and so I get impatient. Nancy points out "I bet we can see it in places we never thought of" When I really "look" I can see subtle changes for the better.
How many of us would take the time to sit and watch a flower open in the morning. I wouldn't. I takes too long, but I think watching something like that in time lapse photography is beautiful. Things take time and it takes time for people to grow. I know I have to be patient and wait for God. If I count my blessings, I can see he is working.
As Nancy writes "If we open our eyes and really see, we would see that God is answering our prayers."
Sue
