One morning as I tried to mobilize my lazy frame, I looked towards the hills from my window and I noticed a flock of birds flying around in formation in large circles. It was very clear that they were going through their 'Mona Dam' routine. This went on for at least 15 minutes and I did not see the start of the activity. There was also one dramatic occurrence that took place that has lingered with me. The entire flock changed direction and started flying in a counter clockwise direction in total unison and without any confusion. How could these so-called dumb creatures effect that kind of manoeuvre that would be the envy of elite fighter pilot squadrons?

The 'Mona Dam' posses - on the ground and in the air - have provoked a lot of thought on my part. This includes the importance of daily exercise, especially in the light of reports out of the US that indicate a consistent increase in the levels of obesity that is linked to the fact that we are spending more time in front of our TVs and computers.

The most salient thought, however, is the inescapable recognition of a common thread that links all of creation. It is difficult to avoid the feeling that there is an intelligent hand that has put things together and guides proceedings. The all-encompassing presence of a powerful and caring force is a logical conclusion. We are not here by accident and the obvious order that there is in life is not without intelligent intervention. God is real!

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84: 1 - 4

Again, in these troubled and dangerous times, Jesus gets to the core of how we ought to approach each day:

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matt 10: 28 - 32

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- Trevor Smith.