Birthday Gifts

Rick and I spent the day with dear friends yesterday to celebrate my birthday. We were treated to a delicious dinner in nearby Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, followed by a walk about town, and a drive to drool over some of the cottages on the lake. Yes, I know we are not to covet what others possess, it was all in good fun!

As we were turning out of town onto the highway that runs through the park we noticed lots of cars pulled over on the side of the road. This usually means that someone has seen an animal of some sort, and eventhough it was the wrong direction we turned to join the growing crowd.

We immediately sighted the cause of all the commotion. A mama bear and three cubs were browsing along the tree line at the side of the road.

Even with all the cars and noise and people moving about, we were able to sit, watch, wait, drive slowly along and follow them for more than 30 minutes as they nibbled berries, and ripped apart dead branches seeking ants (a favourite food).

It is quite unusual for a bear with cubs to remain visible for that long, a rare treat for all of us that we decided was a birthday gift from my Heavenly Father!

When the mama finally led her family back into the trees we turned to head for home. We stopped yet again at an area on the north shore of the lake and found some loons peacefully swimming about. Another gift.

We continued the drive home and noticed this stunning young buck with velvet on his small antlers. Rare to see, yes? Another gift? Indeed. My Father must have been taking pleasure in delighting me.

I thank You Lord God for the joy You gave to us. A day set apart for fellowship and fun and time to wonder again at the glory of all You have created.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

James 1:17 NKJV