Psalm 48:14 – For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. (KJV)

While glancing out my large bay window this morning to check on the weather, and hoping to catch a glimpse of what the squirrels were up to, I was amazed at the sight of a large wave of starlings soaring overhead. They seemed to be performing a kind of dance as they wheeled together back and forth several times, as if they were programmed to follow a specific pattern of flight. I was absolutely awestruck, as I had never seen anything like it before. After what seemed like several minutes, they broke apart, and flew off in different directions, many choosing to land in the tall tree where the squirrels live.

I was so captivated by this amazing display that I continued to search the sky for several minutes, hoping that I might see a repeat performance. However, it was just wishful thinking on my part. The wheeling flock never returned.

I immediately turned on my computer to see if I could find an explanation for this strange phenomenon. I discovered something that I had never heard of before: this patterning is called a "murmuration of starlings". Since I had worked as a teacher in outdoor education for many years and had never heard of this term, I knew that I had to continue to explore the reason behind this fascinating phenomenon. Apparently, this form of flying is not unique to starlings, but different flocks of birds fly in a variety of patterns. I was further puzzled to read that this usually took place in August or September, while this was only April.

Once again, it gave me just the tiniest, mind-boggling glimpse of our Creator's glory. He created mankind in His image with the many different traits, abilities, physical forms, and appearances unique to man. These are depicted in the countless races inhabiting this globe that humans call earth. But that He took the time to create such amazing details unique to each of the countless species and sub-species living on this planet caused me once again to whisper in awe from the depth of my heart, "O my God, how great You are and Your ways past finding out."

All I could do was to bow my head and once again breathe out my personalized version of today's verse, which thrilled my soul: "And this God is my God forever and ever, and He will be my God even until death", and I added the words, "and for all eternity", because of the glorious gift of salvation granted to all who give their lives to Jesus.

Prayer: Father God, once again, we give You thanks for Your amazing love which caused You to send Jesus, Your only begotten Son, to all mankind to offer us the precious gift of eternal life. We ask that You would open the ears of the millions who have not yet chosen to ask You for this gift. May You be glorified by the many who do choose to ask and receive. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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