On May 11, 2018 my wife, son, and I were camping at Ludington State Park. On this morning as I woke up around 6 a.m. as I usually do, ate a quick breakfast, and headed out onto the ridge trail. I feel so at home in the woods especially in Ludington. The trees blend together in a majestic forest of what I call tree awesomeness. It is in this tree awesomeness I feel closest to God. It is here in Ludington State Park that God has enabled me to experience coming in close contact with many wild animals that I believe more than likely wouldn't have happened by chance. This was one of those times.
I was walking on the ridge trail soaking in the spender of it all. Being so high you can see above the 80 foot trees growing from the bottom of the valley below. Birds chirping their morning song. Squirrels scrounging up their breakfasts. Then I hear the distinct crack of a branch. I freeze and peer through the trees around me to find out what had broken the branch. I hear and see powerful charcoal wings thrusting up and down. Displacing air and producing a swoosh sound with every stroke. A bald eagle propelling itself into the air. After it cleared the tree it had been perched upon it straightened it's wings and soared through the sky and over the valley in front of me to a distant tree. The sound of my heart filled my ears as I gawked in wonder.
but they who wait for 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
This verse has full meaning for me now. This close encounter has shown my the Bald Eagle is a powerful animal. I understand now why it is at the top of the food chain. I understand why it is our nation's emblem.
