{I wrote this on January 3rd, 2014, but neglected to post it until now.}
Tonight I saw a sky so beautiful it made me ache to look at it. I was – and am – very tired, but on impulse I pulled the car over at an open vista on a scenic road I often travel and take for granted. The wispy clouds of the day glowed faintly purple, like a swirling nebula; the stars shone clear through and around it – even the distant fires of such as the Pleiades. The setting crescent moon shone silver-blue, and I watched it sink gracefully into a cradle formed by tapering redwoods whose shapes were lacy black shadows against the heavens. The silence was profound, unbroken, perfect.
Whoever, wherever we are, whatever our circumstances or beliefs, we can be thankful that being human means we can choose to savor moments of awe and wonder when they come. Life here is full of grief, and the shadows of fears both real and imagined; but it is also full of piercing beauty and sweet comfort.
I’m a little late saying it, but may this new year bring all of us growth, prosperity, and perfect moments of pure wonder. Happy 2014, everyone. /|\ ❤
zylah 