Sitting in meditation I gave thanks for a much needed day of breathing. Maxwell Wildlife Sanctuary never fails to heal. My body could still feel the surprise to see the lake had filled and the island and grassy area were now underwater. The white pelicans had returned. A heron heralded their arrival. A hawk and I stood almost eye to eye and chatted for a spell. I saw my first flock of migrating geese making their way over the mountains and mesa. I whispered such a longing that my eyes would always greet others with the same kindness of nature.

As I sat lost in the morning’s reverie and gift, I was startled with the boom of thunder and a cracking sound that should not be. Looking out the window, one of the trunks of a favorite tree lay upon the ground. Oddly enough, I call it my Fire Tree for its autumn finger leaves that look like bonfires reaching for the sun. Whether lightning or wind I do not know. But there one of its three trunks lay fallen. Such a contrast to the gentle eyes nature gifted this morning.

Sitting again I found my smile and heard the whisper. The prayer was the same. May my eyes always greet others with the kindly eyes of nature. Eyes that have seen the cracking of my own trunks and limbs. Eyes that have seen the splendor of fire leaves. Eyes that have felt the unnerving shattering of life’s thundering violence. Eyes that have felt the whoosh from the wings of migrating geese as they landed upon the lake.

I have been called a naive Pollyanna because I refuse to give up on Life, Love, and the dignity of the human spirit when all else would say we’re running to destruction. The whisper chuckled to remember such voices. Looking out at the fallen trunk, the lightning flashing, and the serenity of the image on my computer, I placed my hands to my heart and bowed my head in thanks. Another answered prayer…the kindly eyes of nature.