This day deserved a perfect ending. Golden sun reflecting from the waters of a nature reserve where a day subsides into restful peace, marked by whistling curlews and distant geese honking as they settled for the night. This is bliss.
Marsh harriers and a tawny owl have quartered the reedbeds and hedgerows. Splendidly technicolour, the kingfisher has darted away to hide. It is the dusk change-over; the barn owls will prowl soon, and the tiny creatures of the night are emerging for their nightly dance for survival.
Watching and listening has given deep satisfaction, a contentment that soothes the aches of feet and muscles. The feeling is of achievement. I have shared the private world of creatures that will never talk to me, yet communicate eloquently- and my life has been enriched. My memories of today will warm me from the inside- compensation for the chill of the air bringing frost to my fingertips! Ten minutes to get home, five more to brew the tea. That prospect gains attraction as the estuary begins to glaze its edges with diamond-crystals. Home, where the heart rests and I can gloat my course through photos of adventures by the marsh. It’s isn’t quite Attenborough, but it’s the record of a perfect day with God in His world. How blessed I am.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Psalm 139 v7-12
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
The Reflectionary 