A Little Meander

The letters M, N, and O bring me deeper into my A-Z gratitude list and reflections. These three words emerged: MEANDER, NUANCED, and OVERT.

Brief definitions of each read like this:

Meander - wander at random, proceed aimlessly.

Nuanced - characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

Overt - done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden.

I carried these with me over the last day, let them sit and take shape. A connection developed. Words in a writer’s mind and words in an open heart have a way of becoming what they are meant to become in any given set of circumstances.

I went snowshoeing at dusk yesterday. Maybe I followed a groomed trail, but it felt more like a meander in the fading daylight. Surrounded by snow and trees, a middle-aged human, I made my way around the course on my snowshoes and wandered aimlessly in my mind. My mind wandering aimlessly is a gift. For decades it took well-worn paths that limited me. I’ll take a mind that meanders more.

The changing light at day’s end brought many nuanced views of the tress, hillsides, and sky. I paused and gratefully experienced the visual wonder I was surrounded by.

Mother Nature is overt in her splendor. All I need to do is show up, pay attention, open up to the gifts given freely.

Every word has a place. Every person is worthy of their space. Every moment offers grace.