We’ve been invaded by thousands of crows at Honey Lake and it’s a strange phenomenon that I’ve never experienced before. We’ve always had our share of these raucous birds that seem to derive untold amounts of pleasure in banding together and chasing hawks and owls from one end of the plantation to the other. But this is different; there are literally thousands of them and they all seem to be talking at once as they circle back and forth – back and forth. I suspect that Honey Lake must be one of their rally points for their big migration from the north.
This past weekend of my seminar we also had some cyclists that stopped over for lunch one day, and one of them remarked that he loved our plantation except for the crows. Taking a break from their long ride, the cyclists enjoyed grilled hot dogs and hamburgers served outside under a canopy of majestic, centuries old, Spanish moss draped, oak trees, but the lovely setting was marred for this city slicker cyclist by the caw – caw – cawing of the thousands of circling black crows to which he referred to as “Black Devils”.
One of the things that I covered in my talk was the subject of clearing one’s mind and thinking. These crazy crows remind me of the world in which we live with its honking cars, wailing sirens, people talking, non-stop television, babies crying, dogs barking, radios blaring; it’s enough to make one go bonkers and scream. No one could possibly expect that they could think or pray in such conditions.
Yesterday I went to the deepest interior of our property to my deer stand and sat back in the golden silence and smiled like a goat eating briars for several hours as I enjoyed the stillness and peace. There I thought about deep subjects, and I prayed and prayed. It wasn’t rushed nor hurried. I didn’t have to be anywhere, or answer any e-mails, or phone calls; I just sat there in silence and enjoyed it, not caring if a deer stepped out or not. Just prior to the orange sun sinking below the tree line a hush came over the woods as though the wildlife and fauna were observing a moment of silence for God Almighty as He adjusted the day to night.
I told the audience the other day that God is not a screamer. It has been my experience that He whispers softly to us through our minds. As we study His word He opens it up to our comprehension. The more we seek Him, the more He blesses us with understanding. He instructs us to pray “ceaselessly”
Why? I believe that He enjoys hearing from us. Someone told me the other day that prayer reminded them of talking to their kids. As an empty nester I can relate. I love for my children to call me. Not only does it make me feel good that they care enough about me to call, but I just like hearing from them and listening to their dreams and hearing about their children, (my grandkids), and helping them with their problems. I think God feels like that as well.
I think we spend too little time thinking, praying, taking time out from our busy schedules to enjoy our families and friends whom we hold dear, but most of all in spending quality time with our Lord and Savior.
I named my home “Selah”. I’m sure you have seen that term in the Bible. It originated as a musical interlude or rest. Its formal definition means to stop, rest, and meditate. I think we should do more of that. I always try to emulate Jesus and we all remember how He would go to the desert, or high atop a mountain, or out on the sea to find the necessary solitude, away from the throngs whereby He could converse with His Holy Father in an appropriate manner.
It’s difficult to pray, set goals, or think through complicated problems with a thousand crows circling. Retreat to a quiet place where God can stir your innermost thoughts to His glory and your benefit. Try it today – You will like it… (And you just might end up with some venison in the process).
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Matt. 13:23
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Luke 5:17
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.