A few days ago, I wandered in a steady rain. With my hood up, I splashed through puddles along the trail. I appreciated the peace and quiet afforded by the inclement weather, though getting wet isn't my favorite experience.
A bit further ahead, I spotted this beautiful harrier. She was perched on a fence post, rotating her head in search of any movement that signaled food. As I watched her, I suspected she had no judgment about the rain. She was simply hunting, undeterred by the downpour.
As I continued walking, I had a thought. Perhaps I could simply appreciate the rain for what it truly is. A life-sustaining gift from the Earth.
I recalled what a Native American elder shared about rain. She said that her tribe believes water is a precious element, and rainy days are seen as a gift. With that reminder, my thoughts shifted from considerations of comfort to a feeling of deep gratitude.
Perhaps the wisdom of the elder and the presence of the harrier were a reminder that the elements are divinely created.
A precious gift to us all…
(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)