On Saturday afternoon I reluctantly put on the heavy coats, boots, gloves, long underwear, etc. to go for a walk outside.
Early signs of spring are popping up: pitchers and catchers now reporting to spring training in Florida and each day the sun creeps higher in the southern sky. It looked nice out from the picture window- but looks can be deceiving...it was only 4 above zero with an 8 mph wind.
Oh well, as the old Norwegian saying goes “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes.”
As I stepped in and out of icy patches and dry spots on the walking path like a game of Twister along College View Road, something caught my eye in a tree only a few feet away. I stopped, took a few steps closer to get a look and snap a picture. 15 feet away sat a small owl with head underwing, at rest, without a care in the world.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-30
That wise little owl reminded me of some important principles that Jesus taught and demonstrated frequently; there are times that we need to stop, rest and trust.
Right now I'm about half way through reading “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard J. Foster. If you’re like me, you get many suggestions of must-read books. Steve Brown in our Thursday morning CBMC Connect3 team suggested this book to our group to help grow in our ability to hear and sense God's presence. Steve was right, it’s a very good read.
In one section, (read here) the author writes about the need for Solitude:
“Inward solitude has outward manifestations. There is freedom to be alone....”
By God’s grace and enablement, CBMC Northland is at the front edge of a major growth spurt, Vision 220. Small groups, one to one mentoring/discipling, events, and training opportunities all await the thousands of people that will continue to get connected to CBMC throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota.
The biggest obstacle men have to becoming active with CBMC is their inability to trust that God can and will keep their businesses and other areas of life flourishing as they take time to stop, rest and trust. Whether it's taking 30 minutes each morning for Bible reading and prayer before jumping into the work day or participation in a small CBMC Trusted Advisor, Young Professional-NextGen, or Connect3 group.
So what does all of this have to do with my little owl friend?
If anyone or anything should be concerned about never slowing down, one could argue it would be little owl. It’s the dead of winter cold, food like mice and rabbits are all hidden under snow drifts, foxes and brush wolves are all around looking for their next meal and little owl would be tasty.
Despite all that, God encouraged little owl and he was obedient; stop, rest and trust.
It’s my hope that you’ll follow the wise owl’s lead. Also, please encourage others in your life that seem to think that all success depends on them to charge ahead to get things done. Stop, rest and trust.
God’s primary desire for us: to each day love and know Him better and help others do the same.
Alan Smith, CBMC Northland Area Staff
