Gratitude

I agree with Sacks in that I feel enormous gratitude even in this past difficult year. Learning to dig deep and be thankful is one of the lessons learned.  Forgetting the worry and  remembering the goodness of God and all creation.  Nature transforms my mind to beauty and to the mystery of life.

My heron moves in the  lake each day changing her place to hide and to fish.  When she scrunches her neck into her body she is resting, before extending it quickly to catch a fish.  Her beak is sharp and can penetrate ice and hard ground. She has spectacular vision. At night she hides in trees for safety. Her name is “Aubrey”–the name I have given– and I think she will stay for the winter. For twelve days she has been absent from Sunset Lake. But today  she appeared in all her splendor–watching, preying and fishing.  

Herons keep warm by growing  another kind of feather that “waterproofs” their other feathers. It is water which  makes them cold and with this extra layer they will remain dry and warm.  Amazing how animals have been created with such delicate care, love and  detail. If  only we could keep from destroying their habitats and killing their food supply. She has two circulation systems one from the heart and one for the feet and legs.

We have the love and the vision to begin a new year with open eyes and a renewed hope. Remember how we and all of nature and animals have been given this enormous gift called life. We must wade through the reeds and the marshes to claim it. This season, let us walk with  warmed feet emanating love from our hearts.

O Magnum Mysterium by the American composer Morten Lauridsen was composed in 1994. The piece mimics classic Gregorian choral pieces in its style but with some modern influence as well.