Advent. Winter’s hush. Listen. Let go of haste and come follow me. Make a space for silence to linger. You can hear your world change. Boots slap the muddy trail; footsteps shuffle dried grass. A woodpecker drills the three o’clock hour into the bark of the chestnut, red head appearing at the top of the tree. River curves around the bend, rippling with satisfaction.  A meandering side creek pulls you towards the hill’s pregnant Waters glide under the footbridge and trickle over stones, calling out with delight. Out of sight the syncopated clip of a horse’s hooves picks up the pace. The barest shuffle of wind rattles the field of dried corn husks. The ducks’ insistent chatter draws you back to the pond. Stop where you began. Look down. Reflections of pines and cloudless blue skies silently fall below the water’s surface. Let the peace reign within. Advent. Listen. It’s Winter’s Song.

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To fully take in the silent, the swell of gratitude must be greater than guilt, for I have stolen the empty moments from the driven purposefulness of a busy day. Nature created the pause; issued the invitation to come away. Warm air currents rode over the tops of our wintering mountains, whisking away the lingering grey, draping the sky with a steely blue. When I stepped outside my door, the sun brushed my cheek and the breeze whispered, “come follow me”.  A longing for release tugged my spirit. Rhythmic pendulum movements of my legs freed my mind of thought.  Enduring pleasure emerged in silence, renewing my body, restoring my soul. Advent. Just wait for it.