Reflections of a Common Man

I saw a pair of falcons the other day. I’ve seen singles before, but never two together. These two looked young. They caught my attention as they leaped into the air from a tree near our deck. Suzanne and I had just gone out to enjoy the beautiful Spring morning and apparently startled these two from their rest. They took differing paths to escape the threat we posed, one to the east of the house and one to the south. The one heading south didn’t go far, but landed in a Maple tree just behind the house. We were able to catch a great view, though brief, of the magnificent bird of prey.

Our home is visited regularly by a variety of flying animals: Canadian geese love this area with the small stream down the hill and the pastures nearby, crows abound with their incessant cawing, starlings have been resident even through the winter, robins have returned bringing their joyful tune with them and bluebirds, finches, sparrows and other common birds. The falcons, however, are not common. They’re special.

I’ve intended this blog to be a place where I can ruminate on things large and small, wise and simple, common and unusual. All of these are simply the reflections of a common man. Even as I write that phrase – common man – I’m reminded that there isn’t one of us who is really common. Each of us is unique, created by God in His image for His purpose with His glory in mind. It doesn’t seem like “common” is a good word to use of God’s creative work. King David described himself as “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

So, I reflect on the birds of the air and the worth we ascribe to them – great or small – and the vastly surpassing worth of those creatures God deigned to create in His image. I’m humbled again to be called a child of God – a son of the Lord of Heaven. It’s amazing.