Constant to a Purpose

From 18 June, 2018

2:20 P.M.

There was one loon out for a low-tide bob in the rain—or so I thought. That one loon was actually waiting for the others to arrive before going on a swim ‘round and having a go at afternoon fishing.  It’s either two males and a female or two adults and a young one—but I think the sizes would indicate that they are all adults—too big for being young.  I love that one of them waited—and that they are now three. A Trinity.

3:30 P.M.

There is one out there again, a sentinel keeping watch over the break in the stone wall.  So peaceful, so constant…constant to a purpose beyond what I see or can understand from my perspective.  

5:50 P.M.

The fog has dissipated and the clouds have thinned to nearly translucent.  there is a kind of white shine upon the water.  As though she’s dressed in evening finery.

I re-read these observations this morning and was taken anew with the image of the loon being constant to a purpose beyond.  It got me thinking about “the vision of faith” I referenced in this post from last week. It got me thinking about trade wars, armed wars, opioid crises, the dehumanizing politics of migration...

One loon,

a sentinel,

keeping watch over the break in the stone wall;

peaceful and constant to a purpose 

beyond the limitation of my vison.

Teach me that same stamina 

for keeping vigil; 

that unwavering watchful faith

that the waters might change,

that the tide will rise;

that evening will come and morning will follow

and your creation will be baptized in light,

and we will be dressed and ready

in the finery of freshness

for what is yet to come.

Kimberly M. King, RSCJ