Issue 1307 – A Walk in the Park – November 27, 2023
The weather was nice on Saturday, so Kathy and I took the time for a leisurely stroll around Willband Park. The park is a popular spot for local birders, and sometimes other wildlife appears.
We have often seen muskrats and beavers, and some locals have recently shown otter photos taken there on FB and IG. Squirrels, skunks, foxes and more make their home there but aren’t seen as often.
On a recent walk with a friend, Kathy saw a kingfisher. I have been watching for one since we moved to the area and don’t recall seeing one yet.
As usual, the trail around the pond did not disappoint in terms of birdlife. Plenty of ducks (numerous species), coots, grebes and Canada geese were to be seen. Gulls and crows were numerous, and there were a few trumpeter swans.
We hadn’t gotten very far when we noticed a great blue heron standing motionless, high above the water atop a pole. It was too far away to get a decent shot with my phone, but this image I found online is similar to what we saw. Later, further around the pond, we saw a second heron resting high up in a tree. I’m hoping they stick around and that we might see the beginnings of a new heronry.
We didn’t see any eagles this time. Both Bald eagles and ospreys are familiar sights there. More than once, we have been blessed to watch them fish.
Numerous small sparrows and songbirds were present, but the swallows migrated south until spring. They will return when the weather warms up again and do their bit to control the mosquitoes and other flying pests.
Like most times at Willband, we encountered many people walking their dogs. We saw yapping, annoying floor mops, giant working dogs, and many in between. There were unruly puppies just learning to walk on a lead and stately senior dogs enjoying slow strolls with their masters.
One of my favourite parts of walking in that park is that I usually get to pet someone’s dog. Getting my “puppy fix” is one of those moments that brings great peace and joy, if only momentarily.
Dog owners often ask whether their dog will be in heaven when it passes. The Bible doesn’t expressly state one way or another. There are symbolic references to animals in the Scriptures around the afterlife. Indeed, there were animals in the Garden of Eden. The opening of the Scriptures tells us about their creation in great detail.
Animals are quite capable of sinning. Anyone who has been around them knows that they are quite capable of willful disobedience and doing things they know are wrong. Do the same rules about sin being death apply to animals. I can’t say for sure.
The Scriptures clearly show Jesus coming to redeem fallen humanity from our sin.
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
The Scriptures are clear that things will be exactly as God designed them in heaven.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4
(for a larger picture, read Revelation 21, 22 in full)
If our pets are not there (and I don’t believe they will be), what God has for us is even better. We can enjoy them now and know that however God resolves that issue, He is perfect, holy, just, and merciful.
We can trust the Lord and give Him glory in all things, even unanswered questions.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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