Yesterday I had a difficult day. I found myself saddened by thoughts about potential loss of work, disappointments with people, upset at my own shortcomings, wondering where my place in society really is. However, as I descended the trail on my daily afternoon hike in the foothills near my home, I suddenly came upon a bird - just three feet away from me - sitting on the trail. It was a male Lesser Goldfinch. At first, I thought the bird was a baby that had fallen out of the nest, unable to fly. However, as I stood there, the bird hopped around a bit, peering at me curiously now and then, preening a few times, then nibbling on a flower, obviously quite relaxed. Immediately these words struck me: "I KNOW you." It was as if the Divine Presence residing within the bird and within the surrounding landscape was letting me know that I indeed DO have a place in the world. Then, after a few minutes, the goldfinch finally flew off, leaving me with a profound sense of belonging that stuck with me for the rest of the day.
Photo: Lesser Goldfinch, Lory State Park, CO, May 30, 2012
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