Kayaking

*

The water was perfectly still. The sun shone brilliantly, and the sky reflected off the mirror-smooth surface of the pond. The air carried with it the scent of plant life and the soft chatter of nearby fauna. A frog croaked and I glanced in its direction just in time to see it hopping from a lily pad into the clear water.

I stopped paddling for a moment and allowed my vessel to drift on as it pleased. I breathed deeply and closed my eyes, enjoying the peace that didn't accompany the busy town-life I was accustomed to. It was moments like this that I truly cherished... Moments where the mind was clear and free from every-day life's distractions. Here, in the solitude and raw glory of nature, I always felt close to God.

I moved my paddle once more and began to slowly glide across the pond towards the shore. Dipping the long rod into the water caused ripples, and the plants nearby shifted in sync with the mild disturbance. I approached a patch of white waterlilies, and they seemed to move aside for me as I made a channel through them. Glancing back, I watched as they rejoined with each other, erasing any evidence that I had interrupted their gathering.
An Alder Flycatcher and its mate flew across the azure sky above me. Chasing each other in a wide circle, they chattered and chirped, as if inviting me to join them in their game of tag. I let out a soft whistle and smiled as they darted back into the shelter of the various ash, oak, and willow trees growing along the banks of the small body of water.

At this point I was a few feet from land, so I exited my craft and pulled it ashore. The cool water splashed around my ankles and the soft mud found its way between my toes. I lowered myself onto the damp shoreline, allowing my feet access to the rippling reservoir.

I breathed a sigh of contentment and glanced up towards the clouds as if searching for the Creator of a world filled with so much hidden beauty.

"Thank you," I eventually murmured to the One who hears all. "Thank you for such a beautiful universe."