The Kingdom and Flycatchers
"And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new'" (Revelation 21:5a).
"Praise the Lord from the earth ... you creeping things and winged birds ... Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for his Name only is exalted." (Pslam 148:7a, 10b, 13).
We have a critter cam set up in the backyard on a tree by the birdbath. Since we can't always be outside to view all the birds that visit our yard, it's fun to check the cam periodically to see who shows up. The bath has its regulars: Tufted titmice (yes, that's a bird), Blue jays, Cardinals, Brown thrashers, Doves, varieties of Warblers, and, of course, the pesky squirrels. But recently I was excited to see that the cam captured the photo above, featuring my favorite bird, the Great crested flycatcher.
Birdwatchers all have their favorites for different reasons. For some it's the colors while for others it's the disposition or the rarity of the species that they find appealing. For most, it's probably a combination of a number of characteristics. But for me, it was an experience with the Flycatcher.
Years ago, I went for a hike on a trail in Split-Oak Forest in Southeast Orlando. It was a particularly difficult season in my life, and I frequented the trails as an opportunity to pray and decompress. As I walked, I came into an area with a dense canopy of branches and leaves above. Although it was midday, shade covered the ground except for one small section ahead where stood a gnarled oak bathed in light from a breach in the canopy above. As I moved closer, I heard a peculiar chirp and noticed a Great crested flycatcher perched on the old tree. I had never seen that species before, and I was taken by the beauty of this bird and the simple sublimity of the moment in the woods with it. My heart was lifted, and I felt something of God's presence with me.
Friends, as we all know, challenges and trials abound in this life. And at times we can become overwhelmed and even disheartened by all that we face. But in the midst of hardships, I believe that God offers us glimpses of his kingdom — the same kingdom that Jesus ushered into the world through his life, death and resurrection, which will culminate in the restoration of creation when he makes all things new. It is the King of that kingdom who elicits praise from his people, the host of heaven, and the whole created order – including Great crested flycatchers.
So be on the lookout for these kingdom glimpses, friends. God wants to meet you where you are and lift your spirit by his presence with windows into his restorative work.
Fr. Darin+