I walk through Halyburton Park early in the morning at least twice a week. Over the past month I’ve noticed a small area that appears to be the result of a prescribed burn. In the beginning, everything was brown and crispy. And I smelled the lingering smoky ash. But I noticed something else, too. I noticed, high up in the trees, squirrel nests. Big nests. Not consumed by the fire. Invisible to me before. I smile.
Weeks later I noticed brilliant patches of green start to emerge from the ash. Life is coming back starting on the forest floor. Of course it is! It didn’t happen right away. It took a few weeks. But life came back…and in brilliant color. I smile.
This encounter with nature reminded me about the gift of fire in my life. The gift of those things that in the moment feel painful, hot and uncomfortable.
- What is hidden can be revealed by the fire. Remember to notice. You might have to look up.
- Something new can grow out of the fire. Give it time. Look closely. You might have to search on the ground.
- Don’t give up.
Nature is a great teacher. It has no opinions or expectations. It doesn’t blame or make excuses. Nature simply, beautifully and powerfully does what nature does. Oh, that we might follow nature’s lead.
With great humility
Paula
