Springtime in the Mountains III

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. Galatians 6:14-15

     A while back, Star the Wonderdog and I were seeing lots of bear sign during a springtime hike. Quite naturally, I had bears on my mind, so I kept Star close by as we ascended the mountain.

     We were walking near some thick brush at the edge of a stand of big timber. Things were about as peaceful as they could be, and we were enjoying some of the precious solitude that I’ve come to so appreciate in the mountains.

     About that time, the earth around us exploded.  All I remember seeing was a large, very noisy, black object blasting out of the brush a few feet away to my left. Although I don’t specifically remember it, I have little doubt that I jumped to the right as I sucked in my breath. The eruption was so close I may have even hollered in fright. I was just sure that a black bear was charging out of the brush at me from point blank range.

     I gaped in amazement as a hen turkey broke out of the bushes and took flight, squawking and fussing her protests at the top of her lungs. She sailed into the timber at the far side of the small opening, a few of her feathers hanging momentarily in the sunshine. I stared as they settled peacefully to the ground behind her.

     Then I remembered to breathe.

     I’ve been told a good scare will help clean out the pipes a bit. That experience may have been good for about a five-year purging for me.

     At least.

     As I gathered my wits, I realized that something out of the ordinary had taken place. Under normal circumstances, a wild turkey would never have allowed me and Star to get that close to her before she would have disappeared. And, most likely, she would have run off, not flown. A little investigation revealed a nest containing eighteen eggs. I took a few quick pictures, being sure to keep the ever curious Stardog a safe distance from the nest. Then we moved away, making a bit of noise so that the hen would hear us leaving the area.

     Springtime is the time for new things. Eggs hatching into birds and bear cubs emerging from dens to feel the warm sun touch them for the very first time.

     And one very special empty tomb:

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matt 28:5-8.

     If that could happen – and it did – then all things are possible for those who believe in Him.

     Have a great day.