It’s a dull one this campervan morning. Solid grey cloud overhead and the residue of rain once more lies around me. There is a chill breeze and the feeling that more rain is not far away. The light is dull and heavy, straining under the weight of cloud and moisture to come. The trees are heavy, droplets falling with the breeze. The wildlife feels a little subdued, a smattering of sounds, but nothing really to grab onto. Distant cockerels, a far off crow or two and then the usual malaise of modernity. Once more another morning where you need to really concentrate to pull out the natural from the unnatural. There is a beautiful birdsong coming through, which I wish I could identify. It moves from tree to tree, but I’m unable to make out the songsmith who is working hard to lift the morning soundscape. As I sit rain begins to fall again. I love the German proverb ( Which I have used before ) :
“ The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”
The sense of promise to come as the morning begins to unfold.
I have been drumming off and on this year with a charity for homeless young people, who have faced various serious challenges in their so far young lives. After the trek break, I returned to work with them again yesterday and what a real joy. Welcomed with open arms, by these young men and ladies who have coped with so much and continue to. Genuine smiles, warmth and laughter. We played, chatted and laughed for an hour in the sunshine, grass under our feet, sun on our faces, lost in the moment for that wee while. No cares or worries as they came to grips with hand drumming, gave themselves permission to be lost in the moment, be with each other, challenge themselves and lose ego for a moment. It’s funny the people you get to meet. The young writer Lauren Klarfeld, who I stumble across just as I need something, writes :
“ We all meet each other for a reason because every person is a personal lesson waiting to be told.”
I have been reflecting on the young people I met yesterday and the personal lesson waiting to be told. Their stories reflecting something back to me, which I am yet to get a handle on. I don’t think it’s something as glib as dealing with challenges or adversity. That feels too superficial. It’s almost as if that is a given, it’s something deeper. Something I need to ponder more. The people that come into our lives. Lovely days people.
“ Wherever we travel to, the wonderful people we meet become our family.” Lailah Gifty Akita.
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