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 Light Returns

After a storm, light appears even more precious.
After a dark night, day can appear holy.
Blue sky, miraculous.
Clouds — wonders to behold.
Once during Meeting for Worship I saw the image of a box. I was inside it and in complete and utter darkness.
An unknown hand holding a pin pricked a hole through the box and the tiniest shaft of light came through.
Once my eyes adjusted, I could see inside the box, even though it was dim.
This was how I came to understand the power of The Light.

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.

The Geometry of God

I was noticing spirals. In a snail shell.
In the sky.
Spirals within spirals: a trinity.
Then I saw lines crisscrossing,
moving haphazardly.
Was there a pattern to grasp on to?
Or did randomness reign?
Then came the circles:
fringed,
spherical,
bursting like botanical fireworks.
As humans we’re wired to search for meaning.
As spiritual beings we inevitably find it: In geometry, the earth, the sky – God is always present.

Photos © Sondra Sula.

Take a walk with me by reading my most recent 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.

Busyness: The Enemy of Wonder

I felt overwhelmed by day-to-day life and ashamed of that feeling since I have fewer responsibilities than the average person.
My head was filled with deadlines and chores and stress was gnawing my insides.
Driving home from work I heard a whisper: Don’t go home; go for a walk.
I knew that voice well and had to obey. When Spirit makes a suggestion, I’ve learned it’s just easier to give in immediately. By resisting, I’m only harming myself.
I passed the turn to our house and kept driving up the coast to a trail I love at MacKerricher State Park.
I didn’t have time to walk there, which was precisely why I needed to.
The past Sunday I had heard a message from a friend at Quaker meeting that included the phrase: busyness is the enemy of wonder.
The walk was simultaneously invigorating and relaxing.
I stopped to watch ocean froth spurting from a small blowhole in the rocks and became mesmerized. I even got squirted in the eye peering down into the hole with childlike curiosity, which only made me giggle. When I turned to go back, the sky was already darkening. How much time had passed?
Wonder had allowed me to participate in timelessness—a result of being totally absorbed in delight.
I felt refreshed
and ready to face any challenge ahead.

Photos © Sondra Sula.

Take a walk with me by reading my most recent 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.