While walking I thought about Jesus. I centered my consciousness on his love and how his light must have radiated out to touch all things around him. I thought of nature all around me and how I was a part of it. I, as with many times before, thought how nice it would be to be like Jesus and be attuned to all the creations of God. At this time I went into Herb�s orchard and followed the edges of it. I focused on my harmony with nature and as I closed my eyes, releasing the stresses of the world, I heard birds fly by me sounding quite close. I heard the sounds of nature all about me. I opened my eyes and I was at peace.
I walked a bit farther and noticed many birds around me. They didn�t seem to mind my intrusion and went about their business as if I belonged there. I saw through the brush, a black squirrel. I moved to a position where I could see him better and called to him. My heart filled with joy as he looked up, climbed up a tree, over the fence and sat on a branch facing me. He had come out of his way, over obstacles and sat in plain sight and sat there regarding me, watching as I watched him. I sat a while until another squirrel, a gray one, came over and began playing tag with my little friend. I quietly left.
The birds would come close as they went about in search of food, seemingly sensing that I was no threat. When I reached the other side of the orchard, I noticed a large group of gray squirrels. They went up a large tree as a precaution, but didn�t let me hinder their actions. They played in the tree, came down and searched for food and one of them, who was courting a female, took a minute to come down as close to me as the branch he was on would allow. He was about ten feet away and for a moment I thought he might jump on me, but he looked back at the female and decided he had better things to do. And so they continued their courtship. I decided to leave them to their activities.
As I walked back to the house, I felt nothing but joy. I thanked Jesus for giving me the ability to understand my place in nature and I thought to myself how wonderful it was to be so in touch with my natural surroundings. It made me think of the druids of old and I think I can understand how they felt. I know that I can understand their preference for the natural world over man�s world.
I hope now that I can bring this feeling out of me whenever I feel the weight of the world upon me. No matter the place or the season. Being here has helped me to appreciate winter much more than I ever did before and helped me realize how much I love all of nature, including the weather. Once again Jesus, thank you.
~FIN
