Gleanings From Nature: Flock of Seagulls (You Thought this was an 80’s Flashback)

As a relatively consistent observer of nature, there are times when I see things that just seem odd. For example, Colorado as we all know is a landlocked state. And, being that a large portion of our landscape is either mountainous or prairie, one would not think this is the ideal location to watch for sea birds. Yet, without any crafty methods or covert operations, you can easily see several types of sea birds along the Front Range. Two of the most prominent are the gull (usually called a “seagull” but that’s a debate for another day) and the pelican, yes, the pelican. If you don’t believe me check out South Platte Park’s Facebook page for photos of a large flock. One of the craziest sights to behold is the massive, circling flocks of gulls at the local waste transfer station. The “sea” birds enjoy the easy pickings to be had at the dump and seem to thrive, even though there is no coastal area at all. Gulls were not necessarily designed for this particular location, but the birds have found provision and refuge in a foreign environment. I wonder if any of those gulls ever consider if there’s something better than eating someone’s discarded french fries…probably not. But, in a way, I sometimes feel like I’m living in a place that just isn’t quite right.

Do you ever get that feeling? Knowing that you were made and placed here at this particular time but also knowing that you were really made to soar along the coast not scavenge a Wal Mart parking lot?  I often think about what a perfect environment for me is. Clearly, on Earth, I can’t find it. Everything has been corrupted by sin in a painful way. Even nature, which was designed for me, cannot provide the security, comfort and resources that it once did. Why do I feel this way? Why the disconnect with my surroundings and unease about this place? The answer to this can be found in Philippians 3:20-3:21. My citizenship, along with the rest of Christ’s followers, is in heaven. My body was created for this Earth, but my soul longs to be in the presence of God. I thank God that even in spite of the fall He continues to provide for me, allowing me to have food, clothing, shelter and the ability to enjoy all the wonders of this Earth. He has taught me how to find provision and refuge in this world but there’s still that nag, that pull, that deep thought in the corner of my mind that tells me this is not where I ultimately belong. This is difficult for me. There are so many things I’ve come to love about this home and I sometimes get scared at the prospect of leaving it, especially to a place I’ve never seen.  Yet how can I overlook the fact that God has a perfect place out there? What would that gull say if you said to it “I know that you love living here at the transfer station, but I want to take you to the ocean”? The ocean, what the heck is the ocean? I’m sure that gull would choose to stay in the stench and noise of the dump even though that cool, salty breeze was only a stone’s throw away. I like to think that I’m smarter than a gull, but in this case I’m not so sure. My inability to physically see heaven provokes a fear that I have yet to conquer.

I hope that in time I can overcome this fear of the unknown and really embrace my heavenly citizenship. I’ve got to say I’m glad I’ve been given a dual passport, but my loyalty is often to the wrong domain. I’m curious to know if you’ve felt this way, too. Feel free to comment.

By C Sampson