To Pause
We have been traveling almost everyday, shopping in towns for supplies and generally our days are pretty full with different views and experiences. So, it was nice when we decided to anchor out in a quiet place for a couple of days. Besides it was too rainy to be comfortable traveling further.
It seems that one must pause at times, not be distracted by the usual things of life and sit back and be still. I sometimes forget what it is like to be at rest and still. It creates a kind of peace and also can refresh and energize one to continue. It is not possible to take a retreat, but sometimes there are moments when one can take the time to reflect and be conscious of the present moment.
As I mentioned we took a few days to anchor out in a small bay that was only visited by fishermen. When we first arrived there there were many birds circling us. I’ve always thought that this was a bad sign. But it turns out these were some very active swallows who kept us entertained with their diving swoops and interchanges with each other.
Birds Hovering
There were a few times when we could anchor alone and be visited by nature and observe it in peace.
Anchorage off Dunaujvaros, Hungary
Anchorage past Nikopol, Bulgaria
While anchoring and observing the wildlife, we were treated with many interesting sights.
Bird Colony on sand bank
Great Cormoran sunning himself
Sometimes while we were stopped somewhere for the night we would be visited by other creatures or observe groups as we sailed by. For we were not the only ones enjoying the river.
Community of Ducks
Ducks Welcoming Us
Friendly and Curious Swan
Resting Dragonfly
We have been fortunate to be able to take the time to pause and observe the life around us and appreciate all the beauty that God has giving to us. This lifestyle of sailing has had its meditative moments and moments of calming beauty.
God's early morning gift
Sister Moon during the day
Francis's Image, Mohacs, Hungary
In all these observations, I am reminded by St. Francis’s love for all creation, to be sensitive to our brothers and sisters around us, both of the animate and inanimate. I am grateful for the moments of pause, to reflect, to praise and feel the joy of God’s gifts of creation.
A beautiful day's ending
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