Meeting God through the earth!  Through not as the earth. “He leaves traces of Himself in everything He made-little amplifications of particular aspects of His Being, so we can meet Him there in the thanks of beholding His many nuances.”
It’s easy to meet God through creation! We can meet God through any activity, but it seems easiest through the creatures.
Today’s activities… There are 40 species of birds in this neighborhood, including the kestrel-a type of falcon, which I’ve gotten to see three times on this trip. Lots of types of hummingbirds and all sorts of creatures including a fox and several coyotes who are making a comeback in San Fran. Anyways, these binoculars have come in handy this week, especially with the tiny birds. The fellow who owns this house has a vineyard, so I’ve been trying to learn about the grape varietals he uses, so i can be useful in conversations.
 And studying NT Wright’s take on the book of Revelation (great commentary-historically grounded but an understanding of symbols and language-he has an enlightened imagination, as i like to call it).
Last night we heard deer and coyotes in the forest behind the house. The deer in particular had this weightless way of being on earth which struck me. Had to write a poem.
i heard her in the dark forest last night
gently crushing bark, branches and dry leaves
with the weightlessness of gliding hooves-how tenderness walks this earth
has to be recalled in our days.
 Then, this morning, the kestrel crossed over, glided above us in its own circling silence-its sibilant precision,
scanning the garden’s floor beneath the city from such distance and accurately scoped vision, i thought it was a hawk, then realized it was a friend akin to falcon.
Regardless it stalked and saw the garden within the city-the one they talk about in Revelation. I’m sure of it.
There was also a half eaten apple from some unseen orchard on our fence
i’m guessing, a raccoon, as it was placed well, cleverly, even thoughtfully, and casually left behind. The way those wearing masks, slink away but not without
a perfect gesture of their recent presence.
So much happens without us looking. so many things just know
how to be themselves. why not us? maybe we do
by gazing well. maybe we tend the earth by listening,
among other things.