Rounding the final bend in the trail,
the sun shone with magnificent radiance,
like a myriad of spotlights illuminating a stage,
as I stepped into it's world of scenic wonder.
Snowcapped mountains surrounding
a mirrored lake, reflected the breathtaking
beauty of the stalwart pines and Autumn
leaves dressed in coats of flaming reds,
burnt umber, deep crimsons and
brilliant hues of gold. I was standing within
a surreal painting of an artist’s fantasy.

The crisp, cool air was filled with songs
of nature. Brightly colored birds trilled
and chirped happily as they flitted among
the trees. Squirrels flashed their tails,
noisily scolding us for disturbing them.
Chipmunks scurrying out of reach,
stopped at a safe distance, to stand and make
their protest at our intrusion.
An eagle, soaring gracefully, circled overhead,
while a hawk, perched upon a nearby snag,
eyed us suspiciously.

Stopping to absorb the marvels of nature
surrounding me, I felt the vibrations of
awe erupting from the depths of my soul as I
whispered, "Ohhhhh, this is like a garden of
Eden." and my heart joined in the melody of
praise nature sang in harmony to its maker.

I gasped, as a startled pheasant, flapping wildly,
winged its way skyward, frightening a
white tailed deer from its hiding place,
its tail flagging, as it bounded into the trees.
As I continued my walk to the edge of the lake,
tiny lizards scurried from underfoot, into the bushes.
An otter, spying me, slipped silently into the water,
disappearing. Seconds later, it popped up
in the middle of the lake, rolling and twisting happily,
showing off its playful water ballet.

The abundance of wild life in this hidden paradise
spiraled my thoughts to the deep, azure blue sky,
where a few dense, fluffy white clouds, like
Hindu palaces dotted the horizon, and I praised god
for the majesty of his creation.
Reaching the shore, I stood aghast at the double image
of nature spread out before me like identical twin faces,
one upside down. For an instant, I felt a rush of vertigo.

Stooping over, I picked up a small pebble, and skipped it
across the mirrors smooth surface, half expecting
to see it crack like glass.
It slapped natures face repeatedly, disturbing its image,
until it tired of the game and disappeared,
leaving ripples of doubt behind.
So like us, I thought, this dramatic display between
the rock and the perfect reflection of natures face.
One little stone tossed upon someone’s image
creates multiple ripples of doubt
Twisting and distorting what was once calm,
peaceful, and beautiful, spreading false impressions
in the ripples of our lives.

. Here, in this surrealistic Garden of Eden,
I discovered truth, beauty, and God.
My heart was full. I had tasted of the water of life
and drank thirstily, wishing this day would last forever
. I bowed my head in humble gratitude as misty tears of
joy and healing blurred the image of the contrite
soul looking back at me. Then it cleared and I saw as it were,
clouds of angels, reflecting from the sky, surrounding
my image in their arms, and my soul basked
in the sweet ecstasy of forgiveness and love.

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