Musing about my Game Drive with God

I had the day off on Friday and decided to head off to Kragga Kamma Game Reserve with my camera. I needed some me time and have been wanting to take photos of some of the big game, as a difference to the photos I normally take of reptiles. As I was sitting watching all the animals and taking photos, God pointed out a whole lot of lessons I could learn from the animals... Here they are:

Don't look so hard in one direction that you miss something better in the opposite dierction.

I was watching a giraffe and as I started driving off I noticed something in the bush on the other side - a rhino lying about 5 meters away!! WOW, it was stunning. The question is, am I so focused on one area of my life that I am ignoring something amazing God has in store for me in another area?

It's OK to relax and rest with others who are different to you, if they are safe (Don't do it with lions.)

Even if people have different interests and passions too you, if they are Christians, it's OK to let your guard down and just chill.

When it gets hot, take a break.

When things get hard, take a step back to get a better understanding of the situation.

Getting together as a crowd of like minded people is a good thing.

Just a reminder that it is good to go to church and hang out with other Christians.

Don't get left behind.

Don't get so distracted by what you are doing that everyone else moves on without you. (This like bokkie was so busy eating he didn't realise that all his friends had started to move away and he had to run to catch up.)

Soak up the sun.

Or the SON!!

Stay near the water.

Especially the living water, Jesus!

If you stand still enough, in the right place, you can disappear.

This seems important, but I have not yet figured out why...

We all produce waste at times, but often what appears useless to us is very beneficial to others.

I was specifically thinking of the dung beetles in Addo at this time. I haven't found a good example in my life yet...

You don't always get what you expect.

I had not seen any Warthog for the first half of my time there, which surprised me as I normally see loads. What am I expecting in my life? What will I do if I don't get it?

Sometimes you have to dig through the mud to find what you need.

Sometimes you have to look deep into the stuff you don't like about yourself to find the way to stop it.

Get down on your knees when there is serious business to do.

a.k.a. Pray when life gets serious (but also when it isn't.)

Just because soemthing has thorns, doesn't mean it is not beautiful.

My job might have plenty of parts that I don't like and I feel are hurting me, but it is where God has placed me and there are some amazing aspects too it. Like seeing Rocky out of my office window.

Keep a close eye on the danger, but get on with business.

This guy was chewing the cud, but watching me too make sure I wasn't causing truoble. Even though there seems to be people I work with who would love to see the Snake Park close, I must still work hard to make it the best I can. (Although it is important to keep an eye on what they are up to.)

Ignore distractions.

That says it all...

Knowledge is never wasted.

This is a plant called Carpobrotus deliciosus. I learnt about it when I studied Botany and have not forgotten. All those things I read in the Bible and learn about God, are also sitting there in my mind's storage area, ready to pop up when needed.

There are times when the best thing to do is stare into the distance.

Another way to look at it would be Dreaming of the Future...

Silence is very peaceful.

There is always so much noise in my life, so I noticed the lack of it. I want that more as it really did bring peace to my heart...

Spend all day in your pajamas when you get the chance.

If you are in your pj's, you have to relax cos that is what they are for!!

Hang out with friends, and bring the kids.

A reminder how important it is to spend time with friends, and also how much joy I get from having their children around!

Appreciate your freedom.

This cheetah was pacing up and down the fence, making a crying noise. It nearly broke my heart. Animals in captivity is another issue which I will muse over another day, when I have worked out a bit better what I feel...

A light shining in the dark.

Sometime the light (Jesus) shines onto things which are a mess and need sorting out... I know, he is busy doing that to me.

Yellow makes me smile.

What colour makes you smile?

Sing, regardless who is listening.

Duma was makinga humming noise while I was standing watching him...

Don't be afraid to look someone in the eyes.

After all, they are the windows of our souls apparently.