Yesterday while walking on the mountain trail, meditating, being present, and observing the beauty all around, I stopped on a small bridge to take in the view of the mountains and reservoir.

In the stillness, I noticed something that I probably would not have seen had I not stopped at that moment. A beautiful bird perched on a broken tree in the middle of the water. Suddenly this thought came to mind: the broken tree has become the place of rest for the bird in a place it would not otherwise be able to rest.

The connection of everything in that small window of time was so special. Although I had been taking nature photos throughout my walk and was tempted to take a photo of the bird, I didn’t. The revelation of the moment felt sacred and deserved reverence. (I drew this photo to illustrate the scene.)

Later in the day, I watched a movie “All Together Now” where the protagonist recites a poem throughout the movie. This is the poem by Emily Dickinson:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard – And sore must be the storm – That could abash the little Bird. That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land – And on the strangest Sea – Yet – never – in Extremity, It asked a crumb – of me.

I woke up this morning feeling emotionally down and heavy. I couldn’t quite describe it. During my prayer/meditation/journaling time, I read this quote in the study guide I’m using.

It brought me back to yesterday’s serene moment. My train of thought in connecting all these things has taken me on a journey this morning. A journey that has led me to the realization that all things whether it be a broken fallen tree, a sore storm, man’s anxiety or feeling emotionally down have purpose.

Consequently this was this mornings verse.