Some pictures aren’t perfect. But even in its imperfection I sit in awe to see. A Flicker woodpecker taking flight. To see him sitting there I only saw gray and some black. But to see the red and black of the tail and underside of the wings you would think it was a different bird. So much gray to see him sitting and then the gift of surprise when you see the underside.

I am forever in awe of the immense diversity and depth of subtleties in nature, especially birds. The splash of colors here and there, the textures and patterns. I searched for how many species of birds there are and no one really knows. They offer estimates of 10,000. To think of 10,000 species of birds and the infinite overall colors and then the splotches, patches, and sizes. Sweet mercy… That the Creator could have that much imagination is beyond staggering to a simple mind like mine.

And the whisper is a simple one… “Oh little one, look for the subtleties, look for the underside. Be amazed at the obvious but look further. Always look further.” Smile, to remember the advice given to every child- look both ways before crossing the street. Look both ways before crossing the street of perception, judgement, or experience. If the Creator would dare to be so infinite in the details of nature, would my day or any experience be any different? To look… to look and see. Worry not that the picture or what I see is not perfect. Look…look and see.