F is for Falcon

Chip spotted it first as I approached the school.  Perched on a limb, surveying the grounds, was a peregrine falcon.  After Chip got out of the car and made his way into the building for class I drove away to find a better place to park.  The bird sat serenely, watching all about.  It was large, its head especially so.  The falcon radiated presence and command.

I was delighted to see something so  majestic at the start of the day.  It was an unexpected encounter with the wild, the created, the other.  It was a reminder of the glories of God's kingdom, a living symbol of God's grace.  This sighting also got me thinking: lf the many things we repent of during Lent, one should be how easily we - I - allow myself to be distracted from grace.  When we do, what a shame - for think of all we might be missing.  Let's focus on what's important, let's be alert.  For when we are, who knows what God will show us ...