Beauty and Strength

I love tigers. I took these photos at Busch Gardens. When we've been to the exhibit before, they've been asleep. But this was later in the day and some were prowling about. I'm in awe of the beauty that belies their strength. (Sorry about some of the reflection, all these pics were taken through the exhibit windows.)

We soon discovered that it was feeding time as this one kept going to the door. Some were getting a bit cranky, too.

My heart felt sorry that these animals who are physically able eat whatever they catch, had to wait for others now to feed them. I love Busch G., but I guess it's just seeing all that strength going to waste.
  
"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit-not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength-that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in.

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Is my spiritual strength dependant on others? Church, teachers, friends? Or do I spend some time learning on my own to feed my inner strength through His Spirit?

May my aging exterior belie the inner strength. Praying all us'n live this year to the fullest!

Oh, this is just an extra picture. That's my son and grandson across the exhibit waving to us~ Photos:karenevans