Higher than the rest...

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2

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​"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

Red-shouldered Hawk basks in the rising sun on a Sweetgum snag in Athens Georgia

Sunday, 7:30 AM – I went on an early Sunday morning walk to loosen up tight legs from two days of long distance running. The morning lows are now in the upper sixties, but still a bit damp and humid. The sun was brightening the sky to a light blue and touching the few clouds with a vibrant purplish-orange.

​As I turned the corner onto Hummingbird Trail, I found myself directly under a majestic looking Red-shouldered Hawk sitting high atop the very tip of a Sweetgum snag. As I uncomfortably craned my neck to look up at him, I realized he was much, much higher than me. 

From his perch, he was peering out over all. He briefly cast a glance down at me, but wasn’t overly interested in what I was doing down below. Also down below, the crows were cackling, quarreling and cawing in protest to the hawk’s presence. Every once in a while one would brave a fly-by to harass the hawk and try to draw him into a battle. The hawk remained on his perch, silent and unmoved by their instigating.

A few times over the last few weeks I was drawn into some email ‘battles’. Heated Facebook posts drew me into defensive mode and I sharpened my literary tongue and sliced out a cutting email response. Later, when all was past, I wished I could have instead remained above the fray and just kept silent, but it is difficult. I believe in what I do. So when someone makes a comment like, “I’m amazed how a high-kill shelter can be so uncaring…”, it is hard for me not to defend myself and those that work with me. Nevertheless, I wish I could keep my nose clean and not be drawn into the petty arguments. I wish I could be more like my Savior who, in the face of false accusation and a mock trial, “did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

​This hawk refused to come down below and kept himself above the others. I wish I could do the same... not in a self-righteousness that is condemning of others, or an elevated sense of self-worth, but an ability to keep from being drawn to base quarrels down below. This hawk did not achieve his high place by putting others down or keeping them oppressed, he merely kept himself high and refused to come down to their level. There was no pride in his position. 

The hawk was on his perch for at least twenty minutes while I completed my one mile walk. By refusing to be drawn below, and patiently waiting on his high perch, our hawk was there to experience the warm rays of the rising sun as it peeked over the horizon. He therefore was the first to shake off the cold, damp, darkness of the preceding night. How much better to just keep to the high road, refuse to jump in the fray, and patiently await the refreshing that comes from the breaking of a new day. As my old boss, J. Michael Nealer, used to tell me, “Let’s be the better person.” Not in a condemning, prideful attitude towards others, but welcoming others to come up and join us. The view is great from higher up!

​Athens, Georgia