Posing Pete

   A photo that I took the other day came to my mind this morning:

   The brown pelican, the one I named "Posing Pete" because of his unflappable attitude toward those people on the pier the other day who crowded around him with their cameras, is a complex creation. In reading about how he mates, how he lives, the way his body is acclimated to his environment, his eyesight that allows him to see his food in the water, and all the other ways that God has given him his place in our world, I am amazed of the complexity of this bird.

   But it is not just this one feathered creature, it is all through the created order. All of the other flora and fauna of this world are amazing. And it is not just this earth, it is the universe beyond, too. All planned by God for something, a lot of which man does not even realize yet.

   God's plans, His Story, one already written that is playing out in my world right now.

   In reading Genesis 50 this morning, the continuing story of Joseph and his brothers, Joseph speaks to them:

"Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart."

   God had a plan, Joseph saw it in hindsight and realized a part of it that had taken place right where he lived, but the brothers did not, and continually worried about their fate because of their actions.

   Pete was not visibly worried about the things that went on around him. His eyes were open.

   God has a plan for me also. Without knowing the whole story line or the ending, I can live in my own little place, in my moment, and trust Him.

   The complexities of the world are many, but they are all in His plan.

   I see Pete and wonder.....What does he see?