Lessons of the heron

I watched a great blue heron remain in a still position ,motionless for over an hour in the meadow near the edge of the lake. He was poised with perfect intent and great hopes of securing food by his perfect stillness.Why should it work for him and not me? Why should he be the only beneficiary of solitude's fruit? I should feed my own soul by the same practice with eager expectation and anticipation of a great catch.

I, near quiet waters survey the landscape of my life in hopes of catching a sweet memory or a loving reflection on some former act of kindness or sacrifice, that with fresh meaning attached, will spur me on to new actions of goodness and faith. My feathered mentor exercises much wisdom in his meditative posture. His patience feeds him. For after hours of perfect quietude he strikes and feasts upon a salamander or grub then resorts back to his former position.

We can only feed our souls with the nourishment that comes from quiet and prayer. This is the place we filter and assimilate making God's values our own. Often times God's clear voice is drowned out by the clamorous shouting and incessant business of our lives. We do not need a new word from God but rather put new priority on filtering out the unnecessary and you will hear what he has been speaking to your heart all along but in a fresh hearing as though it was the first time you heard his voice.

Learn the wisdom of the heron and sit like ,"patience upon a monument", allowing your patience to feed your spirit. Isaiah says," you will hear the voice of the Lord behind you saying ,'this is the way, walk in it.' "Filter not and you will hear it not.