Making a Difference

I spotted him eating his breakfast, a lovely purple finch. What a joy it was to witness this beautiful nature being. Though he was engaged in an ordinary bird activity, it didn’t feel ordinary to me.

I realized that in his ordinary, this little bird affected me. My spirits rose and my everyday concerns dissolved.

And I had a thought. Maybe in our ordinary, we also make a difference in each other’s day. A kind word, a smile, a simple courtesy…perhaps more impactful than we know.

I recognize that this little bird will never know how he contributed to me that morning. I won’t soon forget him.

How grateful I am…

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

No Worries

Not long ago, I watched this ground squirrel scurry around looking for food. Each time he found a morsel, he stopped and munched. I had a feeling he was content with his life. No worries about finding food or shelter or meeting the perfect mate.

We humans have designed such complicated lives. We’ve created a myriad of things to worry about...family, finances, safety, health…so many concerns. Contentment is elusive and fleeting.

I admire the beings who live in the natural world. They exude a feeling of well-being. I envy their contentment and long to know their secret.

So many lessons from the natural world...

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

Direction

Such a delight…a beautiful hummingbird resting briefly on a branch. 

As I watched the little bird flit from flower to flower, I marveled at his quick but graceful movements. Up, down, backwards, forwards, and sideways. I’ve read that hummingbirds are the only birds who can fly in all directions…amazing.

As I studied him, I had a thought. Sometimes it feels like life is moving at the speed of a hummingbird. Unforeseen things happen all the time, and opportunities come from all directions.

A chance for forgiveness might come from behind me, from my past, while an opportunity for partnership comes from beside me.

Perhaps there's a message from this lovely bird. A reminder that life’s greatest opportunities may appear unexpectedly and from any direction.

I appreciate the reminder to pay attention. And to be more like the hummingbird, flowing easily and gracefully with all that life offers.

Something to ponder…inspired by a beautiful bird.

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