The Eagle Has Landed!

Recently, I had one of those days that a children’s book might call a “rotten, terrible, stinky, really bad day.” In retrospect, and in comparison to the plight of so many people who are coping with difficult life circumstances, it really wasn’t that bad. But, it was a day that found me engaging in a little self-pity and wishing I was lying on a beach somewhere far, far away. I don’t have this kind of day often, but when I do, it’s usually accompanied by a sleepless night, which I had that evening.

As good timing would have it, I was scheduled the following morning to engage in one of my most effective summertime stress-relieving activities – playing an early-morning round of golf with friends. While just the thought of this usually energizes me, that morning it really did not … I was tired, frustrated and arrived at the course wondering if sleeping a bit later would have been a better option.

But, I persevered. My playing partner’s good mood helped some, but even though I hit some pretty good shots on the first few holes (an uncommon occurrence), I still wasn’t experiencing the joy that a round of golf usually brings.

On the fairway of the fifth hole, I was helping my partner search for lost his ball in the rough. In the midst of our search, I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye followed by a “swooshing” sound as what looked like an eagle took off. Apparently, I had disturbed her search for food or rest that morning. I jumped back … this unexpected surprise got my adrenaline flowing!

The bird wasn’t done with us yet, though. Later on the fifth hole, as we were walking up to the green, it appeared again, landing on the fringe of the green, just sitting there watching us, like some spectator at a golf tournament! When we both two-putted (another uncommon occurrence), I sort of hoped it would squawk, acknowledging our good play. Maybe she expected us to “eagle” the hole, but it was still nice of her to watch our bogies. This beautiful bird just sat there, watching us until we walked off toward the next hole, then it flew away.

I need to add that we have since been debating whether this was, indeed, an eagle, or whether it was some other large, handsome bird (you’re correctly sensing by now that I’m not a regular bird watcher). I’ve since done some internet searching and have discovered that eagles do indeed appear occasionally in northeastern Illinois. My story is that it was an eagle, and I’m sticking to it!

That eagle changed my day. She was the kind of surprise I needed, a gift that took me out of my doldrums and reminded me again of the beauty of God’s creation. The rest of the round was, indeed, more enjoyable. I wish I could report that the eagle inspired me to shoot a record low round, but I can’t. I can report, however, that this unexpected incident changed my mood for the better for the rest of the day.

God’s grace works in mysterious ways. Upon returning to my office, I noticed two pictures that have been sitting on my window sill that I hadn’t given attention to for a while. They are pictures of – what else? – eagles! They are two of several painted by young children for an event Wheat Ridge sponsored a few years ago through our Center for Urban Education Ministries called, “A Flock of Eagles.” The event honored outstanding urban Lutheran educators. I was so taken by them at the time that I kept them for my office. Since my eagle incident, they’ve taken on fresh meaning.

All of this has taken me back to the great words of hope and encouragement in Scripture, which, perhaps, is what God intended would happen through this odd incident. From Isaiah 40 …

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

I hope an eagle flies into your life today … watch for it!!