It was one of those cold, raw winter mornings. I wasn’t feeling much like putting on all those layers of clothing, especially when the fireplace was warm, and so was the coffee. But Buck, my golden lab, and trusty companion, would have nothing of it, and parked himself in front of my recliner. As he has done many times before, he began that intensive stare that he does so well and clearly communictes two questions as one: “I’m waiting!” and “What are you waiting for?” It’s a stare that no animal lover can endure for very long, so I emptied the coffee mug, and off we went.
We took a path that stayed close to home, and there wasn’t much to see. Even the squirrels, songbirds, and occasional rabbit weren’t to be seen this day. I guess they opted to stay in the warm nest just a little longer this morning too. Buck busied himself with the scent remaining of critters that passed our trail before us, but now were not to be seen. My thought’s began to wander, perhaps missing some of the little treasures that I normally would purposely search for, and a melancholy began to come over me as we turned to head back.
Funny how sometimes the smallest things will speak to your heart. We were nearing the end of this morning walk, and for some reason, this lone leaf, slowly making its impression in the snow, caught my eye. And the thought occurred to me that even this leaf, though dead to the world around it, if given the chance to warm itself in the sunlight, can melt the ice and snow beneath and around it….and it felt like a prayer….
Reflections From The Stream 