The Rabbit, The Plant and The Eagle.
I am sitting on my lanai (screened patio) watching the sun rise, drinking a cup of coffee and reading my morning devotions.
The Rabbit 
I spy a rabbit appearing to also be enjoying the same sunrise as he sits quietly, eating the dew wet grass, just outside my patio area.
I thought, “Rabbits are such cute creatures. They hurt no one and seem to enjoy what life they have, playing, eating and hiding. Yes, hiding. They are also food for predators. So, they have their nests or burrows or warrens, I like to call them their “hidey-holes”.
The Plant 
I glance around and notice what appears to be a new plant in our landscaping. It is noticeable because it isn’t like the rest of the plants and flower. It is growing more quickly than the other plants and is beginning to loom above them.
So, I get up and go out into the landscaping to inspect this plant. It is a small tree indigenous to southern Florida. It is not an attractive tree and is considered to be an invasive plant. If it is not controlled, it will grow and spread quickly, overcoming the other plants in an area.
I pull the plant out by the roots and toss it aside and return to my seat on my lanai.
The Eagle 
I am back in my chair and I continue to read. I hear a slight screech from above. I look and see and eagle, circling. The pond behind our house has fish, so I suspect this eagle is looking for a morning meal. Then my eyes catch the rabbit who is unaware of what is now overhead. I realize the rabbit may become the meal.
The Lesson
Rabbits are cute creatures. They contribute little except as a meal for predators. They live in relative fear, always staying close to their “hidey-holes”. Beyond that, they are just cute little creatures descended from the rodent family. Oh, yes, and they multiply.
When the come to an area they contribute little, barely change the environment and when they are gone, they are soon forgotten.
Invasive plants contribute little except as unwanted shade for other plants. Other plants will eventually die from the overwhelming influence of surrounding weed-like-plants. Invasive plants and trees are actually nothing more than a plant doing the work of a weed.
When these plants come to the environment they are considered a nuisance and are removed. No one misses them and are glad to be rid of them. Oh, yes, and they multiply.
Eagles are a spectacle. Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with heavy heads and beaks. Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world.
When an eagle comes to an area, the dynamics of that world are changed. Other animals in the eagle’s area are put on notice and go on guard. The area becomes the domain of the eagle to be of service to him and his offspring.
Eagles will probably live between 20-30 years. Some eagles in captivity have lived up to 50 years.
The Bald Eagle mates for life only mate with it’s own kind. If one of the pair dies, the other will find a new mate and usually keep going in the same territory.
Adults eagles may withhold food as the eaglets get near fledging, and encourage them to fly to a nearby perch to get their meal, but that’s about it. Usually, no coaxing is necessary and the eaglets are all too anxious to test their wings!
Given the option, eagles will choose a “super-canopy” for their nests, trees which rise above the rest of the trees with sturdy limbs and a commanding view of the surrounding terrain, which is also always very near to water. Typical nest heights are 50-125 feet high. The higher the better!
1. Don’t just be a rabbit. Don’t live in fear. Don’t be just a ‘meal ticket’. Don’t stay hidden. Don’t be a forgotten footnote.
2. Don’t be like an invasive weed. Don’t be a negative influence. Don’t overshadow others just to silence them. Don’t be the type others are glad to be rid of.
3. Be an Eagle. Change things around you for the better. Bring positive order to the world, make your domain serve for good. Be faithful to your own. Live long and prosper!
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Maybe I just think too much about this kind of thing. But, WOW. There are things to be learned, and they are all around us!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
Whitestone Fellowship 