I’m not sure where they go in the summer, but come November, they’re back.  They aren’t the prettiest of God’s creatures.  Downright ugly, actually.  But from down below, there’s something about watching them circle high above the earth that’s intriguing.

Yes, the turkey vultures are back.

Huge flocks of these enormous black birds are  all over the sky, soaring  to unbelievable altitudes.  From what I’ve read, they catch “thermals” (rising currents of warm air) and can stay up there for 6 hours without flapping a wing.  I’m impressed.  Supposedly, they are up there looking for prey, but sometimes they get so high I think they must be doing it just for fun. 

I also read that they soar so they can rest their wings.   What a contrast to the hyperactive little hummingbirds I watch at my parent’s house in the summer.  At  52 wing-flaps per second they flit here and there, darting and zooming and making it impossible to follow them for very long.

I think I’d like soaring better.  Maybe that’s why God tells us we can mount up with wings like eagles.  He doesn’t tell us to be all frantic and nervous like the hummingbird (as beautiful as they are).  He tells us to slow down, to wait on him, and renew our strength.   

So while the ruby throated hummingbird might be a whole lot prettier, flashier and more exciting, I’d rather be soaring with the big old birds who know how to catch the updrafts and rest.  They might not be as majestic as eagles, but I think they know they’ve got a good thing going on.

I think I’ll give soaring a try today.

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.  Psalm 37:7

For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15