The only way to get from my small community into the large city is by ferry - a 40 minute space of time to stop, to slow down, to wait and watch.
I had been in the city to see a powerful and exhilerating African music production, Umoja and headed back home yesterday. People meandered around on the ferry carrying parcels, pulling luggage, children were full of energy, and somewhere at the other end of the boat the Shriners were singing Christmas songs. I snuggled down in my seat by the window just enjoying a moment to do absolutely nothing.
As the ferry pulled away and headed out 8 seagulls flew along side us, keeping pace. Those wings seemed to keep a perfect rhythm, carrying them just above the surface of the water. How do they do that? How can they fly so low and yet trust the space between their belly and the water? There must be a perfect balance of all the factors required.
I have 40 minutes of "space" to wait, or to methaphically hover, and be moved forward while I waited. Somehow this speaks to me of learning to "trust the space", trust that the Spirit is in any given moment, and when I have time to wait or to listen to lean into it.
Hmmm, it fascinates me how those gulls could know the perfect amount of space required in their flight beside us. Nature, creation and its intricate character never ceases to amaze me.