I was walking my dog late one evening when I saw a flurry of activity. I immediately thought it must be a bat or an owl.
Anxiously, I flashed the light into the tree and was delighted to see two golden eyes peering back at me. Euphoria flooded my mind as I realized that I was mere inches from an owl in its natural habitat.
We watched each other for at least 30 minutes; his head would swivel as I walked around him. I did notice he was eying my Pomeranian puppy; he appeared to be sizing him up while thinking, Dinner? However, I knew my pet was safe with me, partly because I was there to protect him, but mainly because the owl was about as big as my hand.
I'm still experiencing a natural high from that encounter. I am so blessed to live in an area where I share my backyard with geese, deer, foxes, bears, bobcats, beavers, and owls. My family is grateful that there aren't many neighbors around to see me standing barefoot in the rain, in my nightgown while discussing relevant issues with one or another form of wildlife.
Words from the hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful have been stuck in my head since that chance encounter.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
While chatting with the owl, I couldn't help but think if everyone could have a similiar experience like this, there wouldn't be many atheists left in the world. Seeing that little guy in the wild, the way God intended, left me with a peaceful feeling and the knowledge that through nature we are all connected.
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I loved this article. I am like you --when I lived in the country I was always out there walking around barefoot and "connecting with nature" I had an experience once with a coyote. It was awesome.
Thank you for your words of encouragement on two of my articles. I posted some longer works today and am having much fun on this site. Your story of the owl is a blessing. I also live among wildlife and have seen a snowy owl on my sandy beach as well as many other birds and such. Keep up the good work in your writing. It's very enjoyable. God bless you.
Shann,
Your encounter with the Owl makes me look forward our swelting Summer's end about October 29. I know we will see bobcats, and owls on our journey through the park near my home.
I don't talk to the animals, however, I do have a time to be grateful with unsuppressed joy to the Creator.
Beautiful and insightful view into your world.
Write, write, write more, more, more.
Beautiful thoughts, and the best part of it was that you were in the midst of God's beauty even at night...and both you the pup, and the owl were safe in God's hands!
Thanks for sharing Shann! It is an "awe" some moment when face to face with a beautiful creature from His hand. Somethings wells up within us- I'll never forget my first encounter with a "father", "mother", and baby moose while in the Rocky's. Majestic are His works!
