Bear

For years upon end, I have wanted God to send me a bear sighting. I have always been intrigued by them since I was little. I had seen them in movies in the wild, in pictures and in videos but a real live bear was something I, in my wildest dreams, could not imagine.   We are in Colorado  and I love my birds, and for several years we have had two birdfeeders; one  tube looking feeder with little holes for my small birds and another with a round cake seed that sits on a hanging pedestal for the big birds. And we have never had any reason to think “safety” until this week.  

And then it happened… a large black bear found his way to the small trail backing up to our porch.  He, kinda like Goldilocks, tried the first tube feeder and found it too difficult to invade but then he moved over to the cake feeder, a few feet away, managed to bite the cake off the pedestal, and he sat there for 45 minutes feasting on what he found to be a great afternoon snack.  We, in awed amazement, of this magnificent and formidable creature, could not take our eyes off of this giant of an animal.  When he had finished, he slowly made his way back up the mountain, not looking back. It was funny because he knew he had an audience, but he totally ignored us.  

We thought it to be a one-time accidental find for the bear, so we replaced the cake, and hours later he returned, only to devour that cake as well.  So, our bird feeding efforts then came to a screeching halt.   But apparently bears have good memories and still had continued interest so he came to explore the following day… but only to find that his free meal was no longer offered.  And here we are three days later, and he has not returned, but he has left us in constant check of locked sliding doors, and careful awareness as we walk the area especially with our Lab Lady. 

This bear sighting was something that I will always be thankful for…for it has taken many years for that prayer to be answered.  I know it seems trivial, but it is a reminder to me that God does answer prayers even about a bear sighing.  But he does it in his timing.  There are things that go on in our lives that are often heavy-hearted events or trials, but God knows when it is time to push a little joyful unexpected happening that lifts us up no matter whatever has come or may be on the way.  He comes swooping in sometimes when we least expect it. I am so grateful for God’s continued oversight, and it is such a reminder to me that nothing is beyond his control.  

God knows where the bears live.  He knows where our personal bears live.  And he knows what happens when we feed the bears; they keep coming back for more. If we keep feeding our bears, they will ignore the subtle presence of God’s blessings and will keep eating at us. Resist the temptation to let the beauty of the beast to entice you to get close.   It is only when we quit feeding them, that they will quit showing up in our thoughts and in our minds.  

I tell you this story not only to be mindful of feeding forest bears but bears of your heart.. (things that bear heavy, fearful or unsettling) and know that there are dangers when we let "heart" bears close in and take over your peace.. Guard your heart and your mind and your thoughts.  Don’t let the beast loose to roam in places of the heart that they don’t belong.   But also, in this case, and the front side of the forest, appreciate the surprises that God often sends your way.  

This was a blessing and answered prayer that I will never forget, To see this beautiful, black, fur covered bear, with paws and claws the size of an adult's head, I knew to respect the enormity of the power and swiftness that he could employ at a moment’s turn, so I kept my distance.  For, they are beasts of the forest and though they are huge amazing creatures to look at and admire, (especially up close with no barriers of protection) they are still animals of the wild, who have no understanding, regard or respect for people.  They only show up for food and survival and are destined for seasonal hibernation.

Don't let bear sized thoughts overpower and pounce of your heart. Give em to God, to send back to the forest of undeclared, and unestablished roots.

May you to be the recipient of one of God's answered prayers of fun and an unexpected surprise. May it lighten a heavy heart and bring a little joy to a burdened day. And Thank God... for those surprises are HIs gifts to your heart.

This quote has no “BEARING” on this devotional, but it is a quote from one of my favorite bears:  

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

—Winnie the Pooh

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for his Glory will shine through!

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