Like an Eagle

June 27, 2006

Got this from the email and I thought I'd like to keep this... A very apt analogy for my own decades-long process of growth and transformation :
"Characteristics of an eagle:Eagles are the most long-lived bird in the world. By the time they reach 40 years old, their claws start to age, losing their effectiveness making it hard for them to catch their prey. The lifespan of an eagle is up to 70 years old. But in order to livethis long, the eagle must make the toughest decision when it's at 40.Their beaks begin to grow long and curvy to the point that it reachesits chest. Its wings are extremely heavy due to thickened and longfeathers making flying extremely difficult. The eagle is left with 2choices - Do nothing and await its death or go through a painful period of transformation and renewal. For 150 days, it will first train itselfto fly beyond the high mountains, build and live in its nest and ceaseall flying activities. It then begins to knock its beak against granite rocks till its old beak is completely removed. When the new beak isgrown, it would use it to remove all its old claws and await quietly forall new claws to be fully grown. When new claws are fully grown it would use these to remove all its feathers, one by one. 5 months later, when feathers are fully grown, with renewed strength, it begins soaring in the sky yet once again and is able to live for thenext 30 years. In life, as individual, in a ministry, even in an organisation, sometimes, we have to learn to make difficult decisions so as make room for changes. Changes bring about renewal. And the only way for us to soar again is to let go of old ways, old habits, old life. For as long as we are prepared to put aside our old baggages (past glory or shame, past success or failures), be willing to become zero, with an empty cup mentality, we will be able to discover our potentials and head towards a renewed perspective in any aspect of our lives. Yet at the same time,I am also reminded of Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they willrun and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. I used to wonderwhy the Lord would associate those who waitupon him with the eagle and not other birds like peacocks, chickens or turkeys (hee hee...) It's only when I read this that I know - God has intended that we should soar on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. But this could only be possible when we hope and wait in Him to renew our strength and be prepared to be moulded all over again - be zero again, be still again, be quiet again. And the journey of renewal will be painful and requires an attitude of 5 words - I want, I am willing May this sharing encourage you all . Finally, be bold, be strong for the Lord Thy God is with You. "