fois UrDiUeBiON (BUG D ReTEN 
I believe most people can remember some time in their 
uth when they climbed a grassy knoll to lay and watch 
> fluffy cotton dance across the stage of their private, open 
hedral. Have you tried it lately? Many times we are so 
grossed with our physical world we neglect to pause a 
vy moments and refresh our mental world. 
While working on the farm the other evening, I paused 
*a moment to face the slowly fading sun. The stillness of 
e evening was descending as if carried by a huge soft cloud 
tling gently to earth. I paused to remind myself that I 
d missed many things that day. In just a moment or two 
tried to fill my mind and spirit with what was left so I 
uld say that this day was not completely wasted. 
High above the Shagbark Hickory a pair of Red-tails 
cled, demonstrating to everyone the miracle of spring, the 
ype that this year they could once again raise two young- 
rs. Sitting on a clump of sod a Horned Lark poured forth 
s; heart, proclaiming to the whole world his feeling for his 
ate waiting nearby. On a nearby fence post stood a meadow 
rk facing south and singing as if telling his mate, “My 
ghts are lonely and you should hurry.’’ On top of the great 
ttonwood sat one of our first robins calling to everything, 
Wakeup, spring is here!’’ In nearby trees, a group of 
ackles, redwings, Juncos and sparrows were adding their 
tes to his melodic song. Each had a note of weariness in 
s voice as though this story had been told all day but no 
ie had been listening. 
I felt I had experienced everything the moment could 
fer, when suddenly I heard another call as it floated softly 
it of the evening sky. The call itself was faint, but chills 
ll crept up from the base of my spine. 
scanned the sky to try to see, - 
‘here the source of that new call could be. 
s I strained my eyes, I could hardly see 
he bare outline of that airborne V. 
1a moment or two they were overhead, 
ach trying to say they were ready for bed. 
s their flight and call on my brain was recorded, 
considered my pause had well been rewarded. 
'y only thought as I slide down the tree 
‘as why couldn't you have been there with me. 
’hen your troubles are great 
nd your life in a hole, 
ake a pause tn nature, 
hat refreshes your soul. 
