Faith and Mystery

Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?  They are higher than the heavens above – what can you do?  They are deeper than the depths below – what can you know?  Their measure if longer than the earth and wider than the sea. Job 11:7-9 

There are so many unexpected moments with faith.  Some we can see and feel and enjoy being surprised by, while others come quietly, almost silently, sneaking up on us in a way to make us wonder if we are perceiving them. In April, I took my mom to Houston for the spring “drop down” migration. In the spring, between 300 and 350 different species of birds fly back to the United States from Central and South America and may have to travel an entire day without stopping to get across the ocean. Upon arrival, the birds refuel and prepare for the next leg of their trip. For some this break is a few days and then they are onward to northern destinations. For others, they find a mate and spend the summer in Texas or Florida preparing the next generation to migrate in the fall and return again in the spring. 

We saw thousands of birds, enjoyed the ocean, caught a glimpse of an armadillo and saw the long lasting devastation of hurricanes on the Texas coast. On our second day in Houston we visited the hatchery, a protected wetland space with manmade islands for nesting. The number of birds present was jaw dropping. If you have studied birds and wildlife you may know theories that our modern birds are likely related to dinosaurs and that some species that we see today are reflective of species from 50-60 million years ago. Looking through the sunroof our rental car at the roseate spoonbill in flight definitely felt like being transported back in time.

For me, seeing these birds resting, preparing for travel, knowing their path and following it every year, in spite of all the changes that mankind has made to their environment felt like one of those unexpected faith moments. I knew that we were going to see something amazing and mysterious, but I had no idea that it would feel so magical. These birds migrate every year with the faith that there will be a place for them to rest, food for them to eat and space for them to mate, raise a family and restart the cycle. What a wondrous moment to see God at work.

Prayer: Maker of heaven and earth, thank you for all the opportunities to see and feel you among us. We know that your mysteries are far beyond our understanding and that your limits are immeasurable by human standards. It is amazing to live in the world that you created for us. Please continue to grow my faith and provide surprises and wonder in my human experience.  Amen.      

Christi Moock