Geese Image by WordPress

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 (ESV)

In my youth when I went on birdwatching expeditions one of my favourite locations was RSPB Vane Farm on the shores of Loch Leven near Kinross. First I climbed the hillside woodland searching for all the wee passerines flitting from branch to branch, then turned towards the Loch and the hides to search through the hundreds of ducks, waders and geese. The mournful call of hundreds of geese on the wind is a soothing sound to me, reminding me of the awesome beauty and music in His Creation.

Geese are special to me, they also remind me of my spiritual retreat to Holy Island where I saw and heard thousands of geese on the coastal estuaries. It was there that my love for Creation and geese in particular found its reason in Celtic Christian belief; the Celtic believers rather than a gentle dove believed that the goose was a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Geese arrive suddenly in large numbers out of the grey horizon and overwhelm our location and senses, it is a startling and beautiful thing – this is the way of the Holy Spirit in Celtic belief. Such scenes are a constant reminder of the Triune God’s presence and work in our lives; through Creation He speaks to us, calling us to prayer – His Spirit to our spirit.

Dear reader, can you hear Him today? Creation is not just pretty; it is His method of communicating, His Spirit with ours. In the twittering of the wee birds in the trees and bushes, the rhythmic gusts and sighs of the wind, the call of the geese and the breaking surf…His Spirit is constantly calling you. Listen for Him today, commune with Him offering your petitions and being thankful for His presence.

30 thoughts on “Constantly Listening”

    1. More importantly Barbara, I have lived a blessed life in Him by the hand of His Anazing Grace. I can never repay Him, but I choose to love Him.
      May you have a blessed day in His presence dear sister. 🙏

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  7. Thank you Alan Beautiful and a blessing. HERE I STAND. I look upwards and the beautiful Iona music reminds me too to wait in HIM and worship and listen. It may not be wild geese but sounds of the wind in the trees and the distant sighing of the wild turkey fowl and the grunting of disturbed koalas after a severe rain event reminds me again of His amazing Grace and how blessed I am to have THIS day of life. Thank you for your sharing. Shalom!

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    1. Thank you Faye. I am glad you added the sounds of His Creation in Australia, I am sure He speaks through them too to those who would listen to Him. May you be blessed in His presence each day, Amen 🙏

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  9. I am going to have to think on this one a bit. I have always enjoyed listening to the birds’ songs. And if geese are a symbol of the Holy Spirit our camp lake is filled with Him. My favorite has been the bluebird until we have this one that has to fight his reflection in every window. But I do appreciate your post on prayer-and its connection to creation. That’s where I find myself closest to the Lord.

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    1. Thank you Donna, the beauty is that our Triune God will never be left without a voice, wherever you live. He has the ability to get our attention in so many ways, Hallelujah! May He draw near to you and bless your family today.

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  11. I agree with you! We have hummingbirds, red-winged black birds, yellow breasted oriels, wrens, and even black and white magpies. Okay, the last ones can be a destructive force, but they are still beautiful. I love when I go out to do my chores and get buzzed by a hummingbird. I feel the connection with my Creator, who gave them to me to enjoy. Sometimes, depending on the time of year, I have seen bald eagles on my drive to or from work. Oh and of course, the 200 + chickens on the ranch! 🐔

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  12. Alan, this devotional resonates loudly as I am one too that feels God’s presence strongest and hear his voice clearest when out enjoying His creation. I have a great fondness for wild geese as my childhood home was situated on a migratory flyway. Hundreds and thousands of Canadian geese and snow geese would stop over in the cornfields to feast before continuing on their journey. One of my favorite childhood memories is of laying on my back in the grass and watching one huge V after another fly overhead. The sound filling the air. Thus I find much beauty in the Celtic belief you shared.

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    1. I am so glad that my wee post brought back some lovely memories for you, and encouraged you with the simplicity and beauty of Celtic faith. My grandson and I were out in the woods near our home this afternoon, there was a carpet of gorgeous Bluebells wrapped around the base of the trees right to the horizon. Seeing such simple beauty always reminds me of the wonders and intricacies of His Creation. May our Father God bless you and your family my dear sister.

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  14. Pingback: Constantly Listening — Devotional Treasures – QuietMomentsWithGod

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