Searching for a Muse: What I learn from my Golden Retriever Puppy

He changed deserts into pools of water *and dry land into water-springs. Whoever is wise will ponder these things, *and consider well the mercies of the Lord. Psalm 107.

There is not much more reverent than a Golden Retriever puppy watching a bird at a feeder...sitting unusually still and deeply focused on Creation. As I watched her, I was inspired to do the same...sit still and reverently look at Creation.

I've been in a dry spell, longing for inspiration and solace, going about daily activities with humdrumness. I've always described these times as the inevitable peaks and valleys of life, knowing that continued prayer is essential to carry on through the valleys.

Watching my six month old puppy in her prayerful pose inspired me to do the same, and I looked up and beheld a rainbow...like Wordsworth and the daffodils! It grew and grew and with each iteration, I sensed God revealing God's self to me, saying I am always here, I am your Muse, Look up.

Long ago there was a commercial for Heinz Baked Beans with a little ditty that said, "Life's simple pleasures are the best..." That thought comes to mind as I begin my day today. "Consider well the mercies of the Lord," the psalmist says...so often they are just simple pleasures.