Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Rock Eagle

When I was visiting in Pacific City off the Oregon Coast a few summers ago, my wonderful, daring friend and I clambered down a steep sand dune to find this cave. I was stunned when I noticed an Eagle's head clearly stretched across the top of the opening.

I love Eagles because of their fierce beauty and tremendous strength. But especially because the Eagle reminds me of God and His compassionate care, as is beautifully described in Deuteronomy 32:10, 11. He found him in a desert land and in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions.

Psalm 40:2 speaks of how God rescues those He loves from the clutches of destruction. He places their feet on a firm place--upon the rock. These beautiful words paint a vivid picture. I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

What is happening in the world today is frightening. Sometimes I can hardly bring myself to turn on the news. The world has changed so much over the past 30 years--I hardly recognize it.

But when I ponder the strength of the mighty Eagle's wings, and the timeless power of the Rock, I am grateful God surrounds and protects those He loves. At His invitation, even in the path of destruction we can stand firm upon His strength--as He tenderly watches over us, like an Eagle hovering over His young.

This is a great comfort.


Above I've included the original shot as I saw it that lovely wild and windy day.

6 comments:

Mary said...

Beth I needed this so much today, thank you and thank you for your reminder of God's protection. Sometimes it's not easy to leave the cave but flying on the wings of freedom of and love makes it much easier. God bless you

Clytie said...

The first time I saw this picture, I remember being entranced. It was the first time I had seen your work with real photos. Then I sat down and started seeing other things in the photo. A puffin. A snake. And more. I remember being so very excited, and wanting to go take some pictures for myself to see what else was there!

Lois said...

This is so inspirational Beth! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Beth Niquette said...

I remember that, too, Sissy! Remember, we found a stork and a wolf, too! You are such an encouragement to me. ((hugs))

Megan Coyle said...

What a lovely post. And yet again I am incredibly impressed with your eye for finding creatures existing in different natural formations. That eagle is a clever find.

tera said...

Very cool!