This Life

He popped up from under the water, grasping a small fish in his beak…a beautiful pied-billed grebe. As I watched him, I had a thought.

This charming little bird was the epitome of persistence. Nothing deterred him from his daily tasks. His very survival depended upon his tenacity.

Life on this planet is not for the faint of heart, no matter the species. Just being alive requires so much strength and courage and determination.

As the little grebe disappeared into the reeds, I smiled.

Despite all the ups and downs and twists and turns, I wouldn’t trade this lifetime for anything.

How grateful I am for this grand adventure…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Trust

A picture of innocence…this beautiful chickadee. As I watched him forage for seeds, I could feel his confidence. He knew he was completely cared for by the Earth.

And I had a thought. Life is a mysterious adventure for us all, including this little bird. None of us knows exactly what will happen in the next moment.

And I can choose. I can continue my worried, fretful human ways, or I can trust the process, just like this little bird. And know that all that transpires in my life, no matter how it seems, is designed to bring me closer to the Divine.

 To fully trust…a worthy aspiration, inspired by a lovely little bird.

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Connected

Wise beings have suggested that what happens to one of us happens to all of us. Though our interconnectedness may not be visible to the human eye, it’s no less real.

I thought about that as I watched a group of house finches enjoying their breakfast.

I marveled at their synchronized dance...graceful movements from branch to ground back to branch. And I realized they were taking turns gathering seeds that had fallen to the Earth.

Within the dance, this little finch received all he needed, as did all the birds. They naturally shared the bounty of the Earth.

They were in it together, cooperating for the good of everyone.

My fervent wish for our world...inspired by nature.

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)