On Eagles' Wings

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 Photo credit: NASA/Gary Rothstein
 Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 
I have a great affinity for eagles. Since early childhood, I admired their strength and beauty. Eagles, in many cultures, have traditionally been associated with the Creator. So, it is not wonder that, for me, eagles are connected to ministering. 

At this time of year, many people feel exhausted. Winter is almost over, but not quite. During these days of dirty snow, mud and skeletoned trees, we need something to lift us up…to take us from the shadow of death to that wondrous place of rebirth. 

Yet, smack dab in the middle of all these blah feelings, we are called to minister to others, to be lights of God’s Love to those who have become lost in the darkness of pain, suffering and failure. How can we keep going forward with so much to do, so much darkness still in the world, so much pain and suffering? 

I am reminded of the hymn, On Eagles' Wings, which is based on Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." 

The phrase “wait upon the Lord” can be read two ways. We can “wait” as in “hang around waiting” for Creator to show up and fix everything. Or, we can “wait” as “be in the service of” Creator. What I find here is that when we are of service to the Creator, we are given the strength to keep going. 

So, as we travel into the season of mud with its less than pretty promises of rebirth, let us remember the words of On Eagles' Wings - 

“For to His angels He's given a command, To guard you in all of your ways, Upon their hands they will bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”

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