Nature is always amazing. Being in the bush refreshes the soul and cleanses the mind.
Our family owns a house on an eco-estate in Limpopo called Leeupoort. It is one of a few places in the world where people and animals live in harmony. Because there has been no hunting on the estate for many years, the animals have become very at home in close encounters with humans.
Recently my wife and I experienced such an encounter. Half a dozen or so arrow-marked babblers joined us at the bird hide. One of them trusted me so much that he repeatedly sat close to me, even trying to peck pieces of food from my hand. I weigh probably 300 times as much as this little creature. I am of a very different species, yet the trust shown was amazing. We sat looking at each other, completely relaxed.
Trust between humans is rare. Due to past experiences and hurts, we don’t easily trust friend or foe.
This close encounter with one of God’s wonderful creatures, reminded me of God’s love for all of us. The Bible says in Matt. 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny, yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.”
There is a common bond between us and animals – the same loving God made us all.
Next time you have a close encounter with a trusting animal, remember God’s love for all of us.
PS. I wish I could trust God as completely as our animals trust us. Amen.
