Guardian of the Spring
Today, I went on a journey to find a bit of myself that I had lost for a little while. After I dropped my son off, I felt a deep need to seek out some peace. My favorite park, the one with acres of trees and a beautiful spring, called to me.
I wasn’t expecting to find much other than a few moments of peace when I stepped out of my car. But something about the spring called me to it. I needed to go there.
As soon as I left the car behind, the smell of the woods awakened something in me. I had to close my eyes for a moment and wrap myself up in its comfort. I was transported to another place and time.
Then the sound of the river washed over me. It took away all my thoughts except the peace and tranquility of nature.
I made my way slowly across a small wooden bridge and immediately felt the soothing power of the water rolling gently over stones. I stepped up to the paved sidewalk beside the river.
As you walk past the bridge, you see a river teeming with new life. Hundreds of minnows and plants flicker through the stream. As you continue down the path closer to the spring that spawns a mighty river, the plants grow thicker. Little kelp and algae stream in curtains through the rippling water.
I had my camera out already, snapping a few shots. They all seemed completely inadequate. Nothing but being here captures even half of its presence.
The River Path
I kept walking, all the way down the stone steps to a cut stone bench that faces the spring. I was so busy looking back at the beauty and seclusion of the place I’d just come from that I didn’t even notice him standing there.
“Qck-qck,” he scolded me quietly. I turned and saw a beautiful white duck looking at me.
The White Duck
I spent a few moments gazing at him, and for some reason, I felt more at ease than ever. I slowly lifted my camera, and he let me take several shots, as long as I moved slowly. It was here that I felt most at peace.
The Guardian of the Spring was there to remind me that everything in life has balance. Even when times are difficult, a higher power is at work to make things right.
Guardian of the Spring
As I walked back through the trees, the breeze brought a distinct reminder of a time long forgotten. First it brought back memories of cedar and pine and the clean mountain air of the Rocky Mountains.
Next I could smell and feel the trees in my childhood best friend’s yard, where we used to climb, explore, and imagine ourselves away from the worries of our lives.
I drove home renewed and ready to face the world again.
