Silent Morning

Overhead, a Great Blue Heron flaps his wings in flight, looking west towards the road, golden morning sun, streaked with shadows across the black road gives the appearance of a great tigers back. Frost glistens in the light of the day, and paper whites confused by the warm temperatures last week, pop out of the dull brown earth, bright and green. The cats stretch and yawn from their warm hay filled sleeping places in the barn. My walk completed in near silence, a few birds singing and an occasional car travelling to someplace, drives by.

Morning walks fill me with peace and serenity. So much to see, so much to learn. So much to listen to, even in silence. Our hearts speak to us, our inner thoughts rise to the top, not pushed aside by busy-ness or noise.

Later, in the house, I light incense. This is something I have do often and have for over 3 decades. When you walk into my house, you can always catch the lingering scent of jasmine or some other exotic smell. I light incense for everyone in my family and offer up a prayer for each one of them. Pslam 141:2 says "May my prayer be set before you like incense".

I sat and watched the smoke rise and curl, stretch and bend, unseen air currents, movement, graceful and deliberate, reminding me of Tai Chi movements. Reminding me even more of the importance to walk gently through life, walking in beauty, walking with a simple heart, living simply in a complex world.