Sometimes I forget that I work so I can live, not the other way around. Today was one of those days where I needed to remind myself that. So I hopped on my bike just before dusk and made my way down to the wetlands to hear the frogs sing. No matter what neighborhood I live in, I always find something to love about it. The place I live in now is just a few pedal strokes away from the loveliest marsh complete with the springtime chorus indicative of this time of year. Tonight the familiar sound of the frogs was just what I needed.
I scared a few baby calves as I zipped past their field on the way to my destination. I marveled at how fast their short little legs could carry them, and at the quick gallop their mothers made to ensure their safety. I don't know why watching a field of cows run at full tilt was so fascinating but I doubled back around just to watch. Perhaps it was the enjoyment of seeing those baby animals so fresh with life and full of gusto. Someday I will be just another passing biker to them but today they were a little bit startled or maybe just excited to try out their new legs. And that made them an interesting subject.
After watching for a moment, I made why way across the road, stood, and just listened. There is something so calming about the night time hum in this particular swatch of land. I started remembering how much I love this time of year and all the things it represents. I need these moments of rediscovery. I need to remember more often.
I find purpose in the camouflaged frog, sharing a simple tune. We didn't meet, face to face, yet I was changed as he created something beautiful with his simple existence. It makes me think about my own circle of influence that seems so insignificant. I am grateful for kindness and generosity that have filtered down into my own life, from sources I don't always see. I have never really thought about how my life might affect the lives of those I will never meet. Whether it does or not I want my contribution in this world to be more like a marsh frog's song. No pretense, no fanfare, just a real offering of myself that somehow inspires happiness in others as they are passing along their way.
