I was only two blocks from home when I spotted it. My car slowed to a stop on its own while my hand searched independently for the phone cam. My eyes refused to disengage the incredible sight.

Unfortunately my behavior was deemed suspicious and no photo was allowed.

The eagle effortlessly took flight in all its majesty leaving my prying eyes earthbound.

In the process, he released the squirrel held in its talons.

I sat in further awe as the reprieved squirrel raced up the trunk of his nearby home.

I sat dumbfounded in the car.

"We have an eagle in the neighborhood?"

"The squirrel was unharmed?"

"I am a hero!" "Am I a villain?"

"Will the eagle linger until I get home to photograph him?"

"Will my DH believe this tall tale?"

We keep one eye in the sky these days and my camera by the back door. But before the excitement died down, I drove past the scene of the incident only to discover Mr. Squirrel poking around in the grass as usual.

I had to wonder.

How many times have I been reluctant to venture to places where a negative image is attached?

If animals are not bothered by such fears, why should I allow my mind to entertain them?

Inspiration came to me today in the form of a common squirrel. He was grateful to be alive and celebrated his joy by living his life to the full!

State it anyway you like:

I could have died, but I'm still here!

I made mistakes, but I'm trying again!

I fell down, but I'm getting back up!

I am damaged (eye lost by an eagle's claw?), but life is sweet.

I gained weight, but I can lose it.

I can't ride my bike, but I can walk.

The doctor's report was bad, but it can be reversed.

I'm out of control, but I will set boundaries.

I am weak, but God is strong in me.

I whimper today, but tomorrow comes.

I see brokenness, but Jesus restores all things.

When life happens and questions glare at you, dreams are lost, failure comes to visit and settles in comfortably -- Keep Your Focus. Employ hope remembering our tiny squirrel helpless in the predator's clutches. He never gave up! And the tables turned.

Today, his life goes happily forward. He is not defined by a circumstance or moment in time.

I have friends who say they made it through college simply because they continued to show up.

Life is not always pretty. It doesn't always make sense to us. But it always offers hope. Hope presents itself in the dawn of a new morning, a new year, a new season. Seize every opportunity to begin again.

Learn to laugh at adversity.

Stand up tall and shout with me:

I'm Still Here!!