The Flamboyance of Flamingos

When my kids were growing up, they hungered for the thrilling adventures at amusement parks. I rode my share of roller coasters with them, but the theme park I liked most had nothing to do with exciting rides and everything to do with the acres of animal habitats it offered.

Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay features thousands of animals, but none more fascinating than the flamingo. The pink flamingo allures me with its color and flashiness. In my mind, the flamingo signals a party.

I love watching these wonders. They are good flyers although it takes a tremendous amount of momentum for them to take flight. Webbed feet allow them to run on water, picking up the speed needed for liftoff. It’s an amazing sight. Watching flamingos feed also captivates me. Because of their long neck and mouth structure, these birds feed with their head upside-down by sucking up water containing the shrimp that provide their color. 

I delight in flamingos.

God took pleasure in what He created. “And God saw that it was good.” We read these words five times in the account of Creation in Genesis 1. And after God created man and woman in His image, the chapter states: “Then God looked over all that he had made, and he saw that it was very good” (v. 31).

The pleasure God takes in creation is our invitation to delight. What delights do you find in His creation? I think God smiles when we notice His handiwork. Taking delight in God’s creation, along with Him, is one way we offer praise and thanksgiving.

You are worthy, O Lord our God,
To receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
And they exist because you created what you pleased.
(Revelation 4:11 NLT)
Taking delight in God’s creation, along with Him, is one way we offer praise and thanksgiving. #DelightInGod #Devotion Click To Tweet

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18 Comments

  1. Flamingos are so amazing. I like your comment that they make you think of a party! I never knew exactly how they made it into the air, so I appreciated your description and I so agree that we need to look closely at God’s creation. The beauty He’s created is so stunning and points us to Him.

  2. Perfect timing. I was in Tampa this week and went to the Sunken Gardens and watched the flamingos. I was just as fascinated. Looking at birds and flowers reminds me of the uniqueness of God’s creation.

    1. I’m so glad you got to do that, Jen. God’s creation is so amazing – the diversity, the perfect order, the life cycle, and how He sustains it all – how could anyone doubt His existence?

  3. Candyce, you highlight the need for all of us to get out into God’s creation and quietly observe. Too often I’m rushing from place to place and don’t appreciate His gifts.

    1. Life has a way of doing that to us, Annie. I have to be intentional about taking mini pauses throughout each day but sometimes the best-laid plans go awry.
      Thanks for stopping by.

  4. I believe you and I are kindred spirits, Candyce. I’ve often pondered how God’s beautiful creation is an expression of his love for us. He surely knew how much we would delight in it.

    I haven’t seen a pink flamingo, but I’d love to.

    Love the post!

    1. God’s beautiful world anchors us in so many ways. If He can do all this, how can we not turn our lives completely over to Him? And yet we do.

      Not many flamingos in the wild in Florida – a few in the Everglades. But the ones at Busch Gardens enjoy a close-as-possible natural habitat. Hope you get to see them some day!

  5. I have visited Busch Gardens with my son and his family many times. The flamingoes are so colorful you can’t take your eyes away. They are only one part of God’s amazing creation and it makes you wonder, how can anyone not believe in God after seeing what He can do?

    1. I agree, Barbara. And the diversity of it all is incredible. We can discover new delights daily and never leave home. How thrilling for you to experience another part of the world during your time in Korea.

  6. I delight in nature. Last weekend, we walked along a river, through the forest, and viewed a few waterfalls. I heard birds chirp, watched squirrels scurry through leaves, and enjoyed conversation with hubby and friends as we trekked through the woods. I’m blessed by the many things God has given me to enjoy.

    1. I’m convinced God designed the natural world to nourish and feed our soul. And to show us He’s in charge and loves us beyond measure. Your hike sounds absolutely delightful.

  7. This season of the year, with its lovely vistas and cooler temperatures is a great time to take delight in God’s creation. Your message makes me want to visit that amusement park to see these amazing birds. Thanks for the reminder to “look” and “see” our Father’s work and recognize that we are a very special part. I hope you’re enjoying the season.

    1. I am enjoying the season very much Katherine. I’m going to delight in it as long as it’s here. I need to thin out the day lilies but haven’t yet made time for that!

  8. What draws my attention the most? What a difficult question to answer my friend. I think every created thing in the natural world created by God vies for my attention in one way or another. Beautiful people, God’s greatest creation, beautiful natural surroundings, the peacefulness of the animals He created. All point to Him. Perhaps it’s because they all stand in such stark contrast to the worldly things that surrounds us so much of the time. Hatred, division, sin, and self-importance. All tend to have the direct opposite affect on me these days. I wonder if that’s part of God’s sanctification process? The world becomes less and less alluring as we grow closer to Him. Another wonderful post ma’am. Thank you!

    1. J.D., you have the privilege to spend more time than many in the work you chose to do. For that, I’m sure you’re thankful. I’m sure thankful that you show me that part of your world.

      The world absolutely becomes less alluring the closer we grow to our Creator. I hadn’t thought about that being part of the sanctification process, but now that you mention it, it surely must be. Thanks for that insight.

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