Luke 15:20b
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
I first posted the above photo in August, when these two marvelous turkeys, a mom and a juvenile, begin visiting our yard to partake of the seeds spread for the birds, squirrels and chipmunks. Amazingly, the duo returns on a daily basis, sometimes more than once per day. How we love seeing them and watching the "little" one grow!
These photos show, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the young turkey is a Tom. See how his wattle is a brighter red than that of his mother? And the head more bluish than hers? Not to mention the size!
But sadly, these last few days, no turkeys have appeared in the yard. How I miss them! I'm constantly peeking out the kitchen or bedroom windows, or walking out on our deck, to see if they have returned at last. Yes, it's becoming an obsession of sorts.
After all, when wild creatures grace our days so faithfully, we can't help but become attached to them, imagining they are visiting just for us. I'm fervently hoping we will see our two feathered friends soon.
And I wonder. Did the father of the prodigal son spend hours, day after day, gazing vigilantly with tearful, wistful eyes, down the road his son took weeks and months ago? Hoping against hope that he would at long last see his beloved child returning home?
I can't help but think so.
When we wander from our Father in heaven, he, too, watches steadfastly for our return to Him, welcoming us back with a warm embrace that makes us wonder why we ever chose to leave in the first place.
If you've strayed from God's presence, turn around in repentance, and run into His outstretched arms.
His love is waiting. Just for you.
Amen!
Beautifully written. I have nothing to add. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha for this great post and photos. God bless always.
I'm so glad this post struck a chord with you, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Great reminder that God will never leave us or forsake us... All we have to do is turn around and jump into His arms.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Ryan! That's all we need to do.
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I can see how you would miss them, Martha. That is such a blessing to see any birds regularly. I hope they return! I can't imagine the aching longing our Father has for us to return when we stray. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThat ache our Father suffers is so real and riveting when one of His own stray from the path He has provided just for him or her. It's a heartbreak! Yes, I'm hoping that the turkeys will return in their own time, but I will stay on the lookout.
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I understand your wistfulness, Martha. We had a family of hummingbirds living in our maple tree, and I miss them terribly. I hope your beloved turkeys return to you just as we return to our Father when we stray or are lax in our time with Him.
ReplyDeleteOh, Nells, I hear your heart! We do become attached to the sweet creatures who deign to visit our back yards, and give us such unexpected delights. May we ever stay close the the Father's heart and loving arms.
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Great photos and great reminder! Your posts always uplift me.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, I'm so gratified to know that my posts lift your spirits! Always appreciate you coming by and leaving loving comments.
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This has long been a favorite story. And I can't help but think of that splendid song lyric, "Right here, waiting for you...."
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with that song, Mevely, but I will make a point of looking it up, that's for sure. Our Father is always right there, waiting for each of us.
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It is such a blessing to see all of the wildlife visitors in your yard! Many blessings to you, sweet friend. :)
ReplyDeleteWe do so enjoy our wildlife, and hoping the turkeys will one day decide to return, Cheryl.
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Love how you captured a beautiful everyday moment and wove a lesson from it. You reminded me to pay attention and look around me this weekend.
ReplyDeleteGod does present us with miraculous moments, even in the mundane, if we have our eyes open to see, Jean, that's for sure. Hope He reveals some wonderful things to you this weekend.
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Beautiful, Martha! I remember your first post about the turkeys. My friend who lives near me, used to only see deer in the field behind their home. But in the last week, they've seen 3-4 turkeys and she has pictures of them as well. What a powerful analogy to the prodigal son and how the heavenly Father "watches steadfastly for our return to Him, welcoming us back with a warm embrace that makes us wonder why we ever chose to leave in the first place."
ReplyDeleteWow, Karen, your friend's situation sounds so much like ours, as deer are plentiful in our neck of the woods. How I miss those turkeys, though! Glad you liked the analogy to the prodigal son, my friend. Our Father is always watching and waiting when we go astray for our return.
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My pastor and his wife live in a subdivision not far from the river, and you can often see a whole group of turkeys crossing the street that is just across from them. It's interesting to watch them. But I don't think they come on their side of the street. I love to watch the wildlife, but living on a very busy city street I don't see much other than sparrows and starlings and some squirrels. Oh, and I smell the skunks! :-) Don't want to get too close to those things. I love the analogy to the prodigal son. Yes, our Father is always waiting for the prodigals to come back into His open arms.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
When you live in a busy city, Diane, the sight of any wildlife is a real treat, isn't it? Glad your pastor and his wife are often visited by turkeys; ours have yet to make a reappearance, but I've not given up hope! So pleased you liked the analogy made here, too. The Father is always waiting for us.
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Your going to the window and staring outside looking is a perfect example of what I believe the father did. Every day. Multiple time per day. Imagine the joy that was his when he saw his son coming home. you will know that delight if that ever happens. And I hope you do and will post about it.
ReplyDeleteBill, I'm so glad your interpretation of this story is the same as mine. That father was heartbroken, that's for sure, just like it breaks our Father's heart when we go astray.
DeleteYes, I do hope the turkeys will make a comeback, and if they do, I'll certainly post about it.
Love and blessings!
Lovely post, My Friend! He is always watching out the window for our return!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, God most definitely is, Loralu.
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Martha, I'm so sorry to be reading and commenting so late. This is a beautiful way to think about how the father watched and waited and HOPED for his prodigal son to return home. What joy we have when we're reunited with a long-lost friend or family member; God's joy is even greater when we turn to Him.
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Amen, Kim, God's joy is unfathomable! And I'm so glad you were able to comment as the turkeys have returned at last. No, I haven't seen them, but Danny has, and that's enough for me. The young one is getting so big!
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