How It Really Is

               I sat in the lodge last Monday, fasting and listening.  The day was hot and still, and it was very quiet.  A bird began singing just outside the lodge, piercingly sweet, repeating its song over and over.  Kind messenger, I wondered, what are you telling me?  The bird fell silent and flew away.  It had captured my attention, as intended.

               My heart was taken over by a feeling of soul-searing sweetness.  My mind wandered into the past.  My mother has been ill.  My relationship with her and all of life suddenly seemed precious and transient, each moment sweet and dear. 

               Normally -- with some reason -- I view life as threatening and overwhelming, filled with loss and pain.  Thank you Creator, I thought; thank you for showing me how it really is.