The Wisdom of Many Things

Where are you going, Rock?
Wherever The Flow takes me. There are times I must wait for what seems like ages.
Do you enjoy reaching for the sky, Tree?
Of course I do, but I also reach towards the earth with my roots to keep me grounded.
Do you like soaking in water, Leaf Plate?
The Living Water cleanses me. Gently. Because I’m delicate.
Quilt, just looking at you brings me joy.
I am glad. I am the Great Comforter. I cover you and make you feel safe.
Cactus, you are so beautiful, but untouchable.
I give warning. I am The Protector of your more vulnerable parts.
You intrigue me, Log Cabin.
Although I’ve seen better days, I attract positive attention. I am the Keeper of Memories. If you dare to look inside Me, I heal.
Oh, Iron, the toil!
Or the ingenuity. My purpose is to make life easier.
Ahh, Golden Clouds…
I travel with The Living Water — always.
What are you saying, Sign?
Grow wherever you’re planted. Even in the most unlikely of places. Growth is a friend to all.
You look like a starfish in the sand, Leaf.
Things aren’t always what they appear to be from afar. Come closer and you will see Me more clearly.
You make me chuckle, Dog, you’re gazing with such intensity.
I wait — eagerly — for The One I truly adore.
Where do you lead, Path?
Everywhere and nowhere. Follow Me and you will not be disappointed.

Photos © Sondra Sula.

Take a walk with me by reading my daily devotional book, Meditations on Mendocino by Sondra Sula. Available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions.

If you’d prefer a daily river walk, Reflections on the Fox River and Beyond by Sondra Sula, might just be the book for you.

When Darkness Descends

I’ve been thinking a lot about death due to a recent suicide.
When darkness descends
and makes a nest inside you
it’s difficult to shoo away.
Tedious to dismantle,
twig by twig.
Joy may come in the morning to most
but not to all.
And to those who have already flung themselves from this life
I believe God has caught them on the other side and is holding them, still.

Photos © Sondra Sula.

Take a walk with me by reading my daily devotional book, Meditations on Mendocino by Sondra Sula. Available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions.

If you’d prefer a daily river walk, Reflections on the Fox River and Beyond by Sondra Sula, might just be the book for you.

Walking at Sunset

“Throwing Up Their Hands at Nightfall” by Sondra Sula

I normally walk in the morning, if pressed, the afternoon. But I rarely walk at sunset.

The light at the end of the day has a different quality to it, usually more yellow or pink, and slanted dramatically to create long shadows opposite the sun. Tree limbs, when backlit, can take on a wild, flailing look, as if they are throwing up their hands at nightfall, unable to stop its progression.

“Creek Snake” by Sondra Sula

A small creek runs behind our house that can trickle or tumble depending on the amount of rain or snow accumulation. At dusk it changes to a shimmering snake flecked with gold and purplish scales. Because leaves have dropped to the ground and only twiggy branches remain, I see farther up towards the snake’s mouth where it gobbles up the forest.

Empty nests of birds and squirrels are obvious now, silhouetted against coral clouds. I know the birds have gone, but I imagine squirrels curled inside smooth curves of brown oak leaves, made soft by repeated naps.

God has created a system in which the winding down process for the night is tinged with beauty. We are given a painterly canvas of sky to remember our small place in the world, a lullaby, sung by nature, to gently hum us to sleep. Look, listen and enjoy the night to come.

“Curling in Their Nests” by Sondra Sula