I breathe deep as my purple running shoes meet the sandy soil at my favorite forest trail. The morning rain left a smell of earth and pine-purified and crisp. As I walk the familiar path, I notice a feeling that something is different. Though the afternoon clouds are heavy in the sky, the forest feels joyful, it’s mood light. I am reminded of my hope this season to make space for wonder, to be attentive. As my eyes scan the surroundings a sparkle catches my eye. Just ahead on the trail, an entire section of the path is reflecting beautiful light. As I slowly approach-I see the sparkles come from tiny silver stars. Some partially covered by grains of sand, others clear and bright. I pause in awe. The more I look, the more I notice surrounding me as I stand. The shining silence is broken by the musical symphony of the breeze coming off the lake. The dry leaves rustle, the grass brushes against each other, and the pine trees hum as they lean back and forth. Each musician contributing their own beautiful harmony. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a movement. Something small and quick approaches. I stand very still, trying not to breathe as this this tiny chipmunk pauses at the patch of sparkles. What must she think of this? Is it a mess, spilled on her clean floor? Does she pause to sigh and tap her tiny toe at the inconvenience? Is she formulating in her mind who might be to blame and how she will force them to clean it up? Looking closer at her, I can see her tiny head tilt slightly and can see a silver star reflecting in her eye. A twinkle. A spark. My dad loved to tell us when we were growing up about the spark he could see in our eyes when we were curious, or excited or working on something amazing. Could this tiny creature be pausing in amazement? Is she taking in the unexpected beauty of this sparkly intrusion of her home? As she scurried off, I exhaled loudly and realized that I learned a beautiful lesson from her on this ordinary afternoon. Sparks of wonder lay literally all around me.

Words: Anna Bonnema

Anna Bonnema is a lover of nature and words from the US. She celebrates ordinary moments on her lovely blog Building Blanket Forts.