dawn’s silhouettes

If I wake up in time, I can be on the ocean shore in 15 minutes. That’s where I feel the full impact of the sun’s instantaneous explosion of light as it pops above the horizon. As many times as I have witnessed a sunrise, the event always fills me with wonder. The turning of the earth on its axis and the assurance that the darkest of nights will surrender to the brilliance of daylight is a certainty that’s too easily taken for granted. But, stop and ponder for a few moments. All life is held in the promise of each new day’s light.

Have you ever noticed the contrast of early  light and deepest black at dawn? It’s almost as if the night tries to hold on tight to all it has gripped for the past twelve hours. All that remains in nighttime shrouds is flat and lifeless, almost without form and void.

Yet, the light brings depth, and body, and texture. It’s almost as if the earth and the sea can breathe again.

On this particular morning a flock of White Ibis flew in from their nocturnal roost and began to feed along the shore. As I crept in for a closer look they startled and flew toward the shelter of light, each bird silhouetted against dawn’s fiery breath.

Alone again, I sat on the ground and watched the increasing flood of light fill the sky. Seen from behind even I had been a sillhouette, but in the warm light of the sun I too glowed with the newness of a fresh day.

leave no stone unturned

We have  much to learn from the hardy Ruddy Turnstone, a sandpiper-like bird that winters on tropical shores of the Americas after flying non-stop from the Arctic tundra. These Rudy Turnstones,  clothed in winter plumage, rest on a coral rock in South Florida.

Ruddy Turnstone Lineup in February

Resourceful birds, Ruddy Turnstones were named for their unusual behavior of turning over stones, some as large as their own heads, with their strong beaks.  They also flip sticks, seaweed, shells, leaves or whatever else might be hiding insects, small crustaceans, tern eggs, worms, small fish, carrion, or other edible goodies. They also use their beaks to dig in the sand to unearth bits of food. Creative foraging and a willingness to eat a versatile diet helps insure their survival. During breeding season, their diet changes to include insects such as grubs, spiders, flies, and beetles for maximum nutrition.

Life-long mates, both parents take an active part in parenting. The male initiates courtship  by preparing a nest-like scrape for his bride. After mating, the female selects a nearby nesting spot, a scrape that she prepares and lines with leaves.  Both parents-to-be incubate the eggs. After they hatch, the day-old chicks follow their father to find food. He vigorously protects his offspring until they are able to fly on their own. The Ruddy Turnstone’s successful lifestyle rewards them with a long life span averaging over nine years and reported to be as long as 19 years.

Ruddy Turnstone on Seagrass

I couldn’t help but see elements of the Ruddy Turnstone’s makeup that have meaningful application for our lives today: endurance,  persistence,  flexibility, fidelity, responsibility, and dedication to family. Perhaps you can find more! I believe a return to these time-honored values will help to bring stability and security during these troubled times.

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you. . .” (Job 12:7)

just a walk in the park

Something quite unusual happened this morning. A fog bank appeared out of a clear blue sky and moved across our piece of South Florida. When I saw it advancing, I grabbed my camera and took off for the park at the end our our street. The blanket of mist had just moved in dotting the grass with dew and settling over the lake.

Misty Morning

A Muscovy duck winged its way across silent waters.

Muscovy in Fog

Nighttime’s lacy spider webs sparkled with orbs of dew.

A Spider Waits for Her Web to Dry

Strings of moisture pearls threaded on spider silk adorned last season’s cypress needles.

Pearl Draped Cypress

Like a kid seeking treasure, I walked along the lake’s shore looking for more hidden beauty. I knew the perfect mix of water and sun that created this star spangled world would not last long. Hidden among reedy papyrus I discovered this dainty crystal basket.

Papyrus Sheltered Crystal Basket

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the fog lifted and I turned toward home. However, one more bit of morning joy lay in my path. A small feather, recently shed by some avian visitor, had also been dew kissed.

Dewdrop Feather

I think these little bits of short-lived natural beauty could stand up against the most highly prized baubles in any jewelry store. Now captured by my eyes and logged among my treasured memories these images are mine to savor forever.

love

Sunrise Sweethearts

Love is patient,

love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not  boast,

it is not proud.

It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails. . .

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

On Valentine’s Day and every day, I wish you love.