A FOCUS ON HIM

Reddish Egret – Distracted or Focused?

PHOTO AND WRITING BY LILLIAN CUCUZZA

Affectionately known as One of the most entertaining birds to photograph is the Reddish Egret found only in coastal saltwater habitats. I see them regularly on the beach and tidal pools at Fort DeSoto in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are a large bird (up to 36” tall) with brassy red, long, flowing hair on their neck and head (earning them their moniker.) They are very energetic, foraging by dancing rapidly in shallow water, chasing anything that moves. As they run to and fro chasing fish, their long red hair flies in all directions, giving the appearance that they are scattered in their thoughts and unfocused. It makes me wonder how they ever catch anything. But God, in His creative and intelligent design, gave them a 46-inch wingspan and large bill. When the egret raises its wings, it casts a shadow on the water to cut down on glare in order to spot the fish it is hunting. It then spears its prey with lightningfast strikes and deadly accuracy with its large pointed bill.

Even though the egret seems to be easily distracted and frenetic (his unkempt hair reminds me of Albert Einstein); looks can be deceiving. You can see in this photo how focused his eye is on the next meal. He is keeping his eye on the prize, with intensity, and blocking out every distraction. He has one job: catching and eating fish. Nothing else matters. He is a very proficient and successful hunter, known as the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the flats. His external appearance is a mess, but internally he doesn’t care what others think. He keeps the main thing the main thing. He is not distracted at all; he is completely focused on his mission of catching and eating fish.

Jesus kept the main thing the main thing. He was completely focused on His mission while here on earth – doing God’s will and bringing His work of salvation to completion for all. When His parents were frantically searching for 12-year-old Jesus for three days after the Festival of the Passover, they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. His mother, Mary, scolded Jesus and let Him know how anxious and exasperated they were, So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Luke 2:48-50 NKJV)

Jesus told His followers exactly what His mission and Father’s business was in John 6:38-40, "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." (NIV)

Nothing distracted Jesus from His purpose and Father’s business. He kept the main thing the main thing. Just as the Reddish Egret was totally focused on catching and eating fish, Jesus was fully engrossed in doing the will of His Father. He became the greatest fisher of men, and taught others to be fishers of men for the kingdom of God. Matthew 4:18-20 states, "And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him." (NKJV)

That is what we are called to be: fishers of men, women, and children. We need to stay focused and not get distracted. It doesn’t matter what people see on the outside. It’s what is on the inside that matters -what is in our heart and the actions we take. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. What we do and what we say speaks volumes about us, our testimony, and our relationship with Jesus! We must stay focused on Him and guard our hearts.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV)

Stay focused and keep your eyes upon Jesus so you can be a fisher of men for Jesus!

Lillian’s passions are nature photography and serving God. She is a best-selling author, award-winning photographer, and a regular contributor to Voice of Truth magazine. Lillian uses her photography and writing talents to glorify and honor God for His beautiful creation.