We are now living Day 8 of our self-imposed quarantine and social distancing in the Age of the V (urban slang for the corona virus). Today is one for the birds:
Birds alive
Our birds were everywhere this fine day. Photobombing my sunrise image. Canada geese honking their way north. And a stellar jay alighting on our deck to eyeball me in my chair.
As we walk to the log pond, the sea gulls cavort on the sea shore.
Seagulls on the sea shore
Then, with great joy we spot a blue heron eyeballing us from across the log pond.
Blue heron quietly feeling for food
The freedom and grace of the birds leads me on this day.
Reading It’s About Time: A Call to the Camino de Santiago, I am reminded of the old hymn Lead, Kindly Light or maybe for today it should be Lead, Kindly Birds.
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Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life
