The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is well known for its high population of Sandhill Cranes. Each year, during migration they stop at this wildlife sanctuary which is located in Birchwood, Tennessee. Although some cranes overwinter here, most are just passing through. They are actually on their way to places in the south, like Florida.
Bird migration is similar to the journey of life. Earth is not our home. We're just passing through. We are on a journey to heaven — a better land! But we will have to make sacrifices. Our old land (earth) will have to be left behind. What is your "sanctuary" that will have to be left behind? Is is TV, your iPhone, wine, sports, nature, or even your self? Whatever is keeping you from what God wants you to be will have to be left behind. Remember the sacrifices we make are very, very little compared to the joy that God has in store for you. If the Sandhill Cranes ever want to reach the warm climate of Florida, they will have to give up all the good things back at the wildlife sanctuary back in Tennessee.
Sandhill Cranes are programmed to know that when the days get shorter and when food gets scarce it is time to migrate. So when we see signs happening around us we know that Jesus is coming soon. Tumult and confession is all around us. (see Matthew 24) The coming of Jesus is sooner than we think! Jesus is even at the door! It is time that we find a better land to go to. God didn't promise that it would all be easy. There will be storms that we will have to navigate. But by faith we must press on! Like the cranes, we must fly in 'V' formation -- 'V' for Victory! God has promised that He will be there right beside us and give us the victory. In the same way that God guides the cranes to their southern haven, so He will guide us to our heavenly home. If you don't know what direction to go in the you must turn to God. You must turn to the Bible. It is truth and it will guide you south! Trust in the Lord! He who guided the descendants of Abraham to the promised land will surely lead you to true satisfaction in Christ! (read Numbers 13:30)
I have a question for you, "Have you ever seen a lone migrating Sandhill Crane?" No! Your motivation to go to heaven will most definitely cause others to follow. It will cause a huge "V" to come behind you! Heaven is a land where their is peace, joy, happiness, and an aboundance of God's creation! And in heaven all animals will be tame. (see Isaiah 11) Most importantly we will be in the presence of Jesus, the One who guided us on our migration to Zion!