Nature messages

There's been a lot going on lately, though it's not really my story to tell.  I'll just say that it's been ups and downs, and a lot of feeling like things aren't going quite right.  And then, in one moment, I realized that sometimes the extra space that happens when things don't go as planned... is so perfect I couldn't have planned it... it was only my job to recognize it. 

I went to see a friend that is having a hard time.  I thought we were meeting at 7:30.  Lots of twists and turns meant that we didn't connect until 10:30.  At first I was sad, then angry... and I was sitting in my car trying to figure out what I was going to do while waiting... and the whole world changed.

Dramatic, I know.  But really.

I was sitting there staring at a fence, when something dropped down in front of my eyes... from my hair.  Normally I would have freaked out and swiped at it, but the instant I saw it I knew.  It was a sign.

It was also a very tiny spider.  

The biologist in me is particularly aware of messages from nature.  It's how I recognize the divine moments in the ordinary... because nature shows up.  Even if it is a spider.

So I let her crawl on my hands... and I thought of webs, and connection, and the people who were holding me and my friend in their hearts, and I felt myself relax.  I felt how the connections, not the timing, were what mattered.  I recognized my gift of persistence... that no matter what obstacles get thrown in front of me, if it's something that's important to me, then I will be there.

And I knew that I could show up at 10:30 strong and grounded, that I could be 100% present for whatever was needed.  I did.  And I know it meant a lot to my friend, and it meant a lot for me to be there for her... and I know it makes us stronger because of it. 

Spider reminded me who I am, how I could show up powerfully for us both... how there is beauty in the discomfort.  And I'm ever so grateful.  

#natureismyguide #naturemessages