[mou] Birding Transcendence

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Birding is, quite simply, fun.  It can also be relaxing, frustrating, 
energetic, addictive, quixotic and a host of other adjectives.

But, occasionally, speaking personally, it's something more.  There are 
times when even common birds are a source of renewal, of intense but quiet 
pleasure, even joy - when colors are sharper and songs touch our souls more 
deeply - when one derives a heightened enjoyment of flight antics, or 
experiences a sublime peace while being serenaded on a cool morning walk.

These moments cannot be contrived - often last only a few moments - and can 
certainly be killed by over-analysis.

Moments of transcendence.

Know what I mean?  Ever experienced this?  Wonder what it means?  I do.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties