But ask the animals, and they will teach you. Or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom. Everyone knows that the Lord made these things… – Job 12:7-9

Overall, this has been an extremely difficult week. The short story is that I have been “up to my eyeballs” in some messes it has been my privilege to help out with. However, as we all know, what is a privilege is not necessarily also a joy.

Anyway, my point is that I could always use a good word from God, especially in the way of encouragement. So yesterday, even though I had absolutely no time at my disposal for standing around with a camera hanging on my neck, God still gave me birds.

I had run back over to Maul-Hall to make a quick cup of tea and took the opportunity, waiting for the kettle to boil, to pick up my Nikon and see what was going on in the back garden. What you see here is the result.

They’re all good, but it’s the signature photo I want to talk about. You can guess I’m referencing the bluebird taking off. What’s cool about this shot is not only is it an image I’ve been wanting to grab for a while, it’s only possible if I take the picture before the bird shows any inclination of flying.

You see, if I waited for the bird to take off then he would already be gone well before the shutter opened. I guess it’s possible to keep shooting a continuous rapid-fire sequence every few seconds and hope the bird moves, but I don’t have time for that! Instead, I looked up, I focused on the bird, then I made the decision to release the shutter. Bingo, the bird was already on his way into the air!

In my faith-fueled relationship with God, I often have to make the decision to believe well before The Spirit takes flight. Fact is, if I wait until I see God in action through my slow-to-focus eyes before committing to joining in then the moment has already gone.

So often I am too late.

Yes, God is patient with us. But sometimes – and maybe this is the message I am receiving right about now – God wants us to make a decision, set out sights on Jesus, and just do it.

Remember, the best definition of salvation is this: “Participating in what God is already up to.” Joining in with God’s initiatives of grace, mercy, goodness, light, and love.

Peace – and I mean that in every way – DEREK