Encounters with Animals
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Signs in our national parks warn visitors to not approach the wild animals. In and around Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most commonly seen wild animal is the elk. Elk are the largest land animals in America. They are powerful, strong, and have great stamina. One certainly would not walk up to herd of elk. Imagine my surprise, then, when a herd of elk surrounded me. It had been a beautiful late fall day and I wanted to get in one last hike before snow began to fall. Cub Lake trail is a safe one to hike alone. As I was coming down from the lake, I paused at a wide spot on the trail to look at the bright blue sky and express thanks for the privilege of living an hour from the park. It was a shock to suddenly be surrounded by about a dozen elk—females and a few yearlings. When I was in the middle of them, it was clear how big they were. Yet they were not threatening. They did not bump me. They gave me room to walk at their pace. I had to walk with them until they walked away from me….. When I got to my car that day I sat awhile. I recalled Isaiah’s words and his picture of a peaceable kingdom. I pondered if those elk had given me a snapshot of what life in heaven will be like. I certainly hope so!.... As I reflected more on what was a once in a life- time experience with that herd of elk, I realized that in the m idle of the herd I was walking more slowly than I usually walked. From the time I was a young child, I worked hard and played hard. I walked fast and read fast, It all made it possible for me to work full-time while working on my M.A. and PhD. I know I am not the only one to work hard and fast. One can accomplish much that way. But we need to be aware of the limitations of such a lifestyle….. Slowing down is necessary to foster better, fuller relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. When we spend time together, we strengthen bonds by playing and praying together, laughing and crying together, and serving together. Even so, for some of us hard chargers, we need reminders to slow down. As the old saying goes, all work and no play makes a dull person. God wants us to work and play, serve and pray, laugh and love. God also wants us to be in a relationship with animals—to care for them, to, share space with them, to celebrate their beauty and respect their power.
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About the Book
Because of the long-standing focus on sin and redemption, Christians often neglect God’s desire for us to be in loving relationship with Him, with our neighbors near and far, and with animals as fellow creatures. In a collection of essays, retired pastor Barbara Linder describes the surprising and inspiring encounters she has had with nine animals—dogs, snakes, squirrels, spiders, bears, eagles, songbirds, elk, and monarch butterflies—while sharing what she experienced during each encounter, what the animal has symbolized in some cultures, and what we can learn from these animals. Included are suggestions for how to compassionately co-exist with our fellow creatures, introspective questions designed to inspire reflection, applicable scripture, and encouragement to spend more time outdoors to sit in silence to become aware of the animals that help us, in their own way, to grow personally and spiritually. Encounters with Animals shares personal essays from a retired pastor about her encounters with wildlife and what she has learned from each of them to grow personally and spiritually.
About the Author
Barbara Linder is a retired pastor who spent twenty-five years in ministry. She is an avid traveler who has been to Europe and all fifty states. Today, she relishes living in Loveland, Colorado, where she enjoys hiking, walks with her dog, gardening, attending book club, spending time with friends, doing puzzles, and worshipping on Sunday mornings.