Psalm 66:1

Caught up…

The plane crossed over the pond, leaving behind trails of condensation high in the sky. Following its path, as it veered westward, something else, also left behind, came into view. A fishing bob, also above, hanging from one of many branches. It was as if gently placed, decoration to be discovered, rather than the result of errant casting from a pole.

While it’s likely that the person who put the bob in its current place was not pleased at it being hung up in a tree, from the other side, it was delightful to come across, and, in a way, uplifting as well. A sky of blue and “rainbow” of white, bringing light behind the budding branches, as if cheering them on, full support. Then, out of place, but not tangled up, or in distress, this orb of white and orange, hanging on, but not hung up.

Oftentimes, God turns to gold, bringing back into the fold, that which is unintended, out of line, or left behind.

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. – Psalm 66:1

Up

Rooted…

Sometimes, while thinking about or waiting and watching for one thing, another comes along unexpected. At other times, what may be considered routine and predictable… a sure thing does not occur. Traveling in a group, some headed into the forest, toward the mountain for hiking while others stayed, opting for a walk at a lower altitude instead.

Along the hike, there were trails, trees, and water. Along the walk, there were also trails (sidewalks), trees, and water. The wildlife heard and seen by both groups was very different though. While one might expect the woods and mountains to be the place for spotting animals, on this particular morning, the wildlife seemed to be with the walkers.

Despite this reversal, both groups returned enlivened and at peace. With a calm that only nature’s Source can bring forth. For as Simone Weil wrote, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”

Doe

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. – Psalm 66:1