Let Every Thing that has Breath...

 

Great Blue Heron, seen on the Willamette River
Image from Oregon State Marine Board (Public Domain)

Mary Ann Sherrill froze as soon as she came through the brush to the river, for there almost next to her was a Great Blue Heron. She slowly let out her breath, hoping the bird would stay. How she loved the quiet of morning. Each morning she walked to the river, before the children were up, and spent time thinking of God and his creation. 

 

Willamette River by OSMB, published in Willamette River Guide, page 4. (Public Domain)

How still the river was, not even a breeze through the trees along the shore. It almost felt like the first day of creation, as if she were alone in the world with only herself and God. Her heart lifted in praise to the Lord, for all the blessings of her world. Thankful for the peace and plenty of her life, she headed back to their camp, ready to make breakfast for her family. As she turned to leave, the Great Blue Heron launched itself over the water, long legs trailing, wings laboring to gain the sky. It was so still she could actually hear its wings flapping. A phrase from Psalm 50 came to her, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." She put a tune to it and sang as she walked home to their camp.