The Wise Seagull

I started to write an entry several weeks back when we were on the cusp of a tropical storm. I found myself at my Quiet Space with pen in hand but the words didn’t make it to the page. I was enthralling by the seagulls. Let’s face it, they’re not much to look at, these “rats with wings”, but on that day a great lesson was taught.

As the ocean rolled in anticipation of the great storm, I felt it inside me, too. The tides that ebb and flow are often reflected in our emotions and, on that day, I remember that I felt like my life was one big hurricane! Of course, that’s how I was feeling in that moment and when my rational self and then my higher self straightened me out (in the form of a seagull), all was well in the world. But we all have those times and I was reminded of that day as I sit at the computer, rain once again beating down sideways. My emotions are as high today but it has been one wild time over the past several months and, at any point, I could go either way! Today’s storm is hitting harder than the prediction for that day and I will likely head to the beach just out of curiosity to see how my feathered friends are managing.

What amazed me that late August day was that, despite the high rolling waves and 80 kms winds, the seagulls just sat there. They were sitting on top of the waves as they rolled! They didn’t try to fly away. They didn’t paddle against the current. I guess they knew it would have been a futile effort. They were saving their strength and just enjoying the ride until the time that the storm passed and their fanciful flight could resume. They were so peaceful. I was really struck by the symbolism from this particular scene.

Those “rats with wings” taught me a lesson in patience and faith that day at Topsail Beach. In life, as in this beautiful province, storm winds will rise to test us. I am reminded today that we must all keep the faith that all is as it should be and that this, too, shall pass. Lesson Learned.