Autumn

Walking, walking, walking. It is something I do for myself and our dogs. I do it often...maybe just to clear my mind....but mostly to clear my spirit. One day this week as I walked in the park across the street, the dogs running off leash, scampering everwhere, doing their doggie thing, I had a blessed moment. I looked up and I saw a beautiful maple tree....shining with a bright yellow glory. It's leaves were spread out perfectly so that they canopied over my head and I could see each individual one. This bright golden yellow lace was set in front of a huge everygreen tree. The contrast between colors caused me to pause and look up at the magnificence of the pallette that surrounded me.

I became breathless....and then the most amazing thing happened....I felt tears come to my eyes. I was so moved. For many moments I stopped and let the tears flow. I felt like I was being bathed in the wonder of nature. I could still experience the gentleness of it's finest stroke against the bolder stroke of the evergreens. I could still smell the beauty of the cool air as everything prepares for winter's coming. I could still feel my heart beat as I was surrounded by the wisdom of the changing seasons. I could still experience my own inner rythym that automatically matches that of nature. And I could feel my spirit soar as it danced with all the beauty.

Having illness always around me...all the time...sometimes I feel like being hopeful and tending to my family is all I can do right now. It's hard to find my own colorful pallette, my own warmth and whimsy. But, I learned during my walk, that all I need to do is pause and look. I can easily find the glory again.