Put the world on hold for a moment. Paddle-in to the island along the river around the bend from my pine cabin in the wood.

Remember that space where the mist rises and my heart is fully met with eddy pools and birdsong, hope greater than fear for the unknown. Where nothing is too much or too little.

Everything is heard and held and loved well, shadows and all.

A promise is a bond secured with the steady affirmation of a heartbeat. Even if it were to change rhythm, the integrity remains. The wingspan of a heron is five feet. The capacity of my love holding the vows I carry to honor and stand humbly learning this love through the seasons lives in that place where the water meets the clouds. Deeply devoted to meeting the unknown with a hope greater than fear.

Help me dear Heron and great Egret- to find foot pockets of current that will carry me. Help me paddle home holding it all, every whispered prayer and worthy part.