Whenever the weather allows I try to get up and go skateboarding in the morning. Usually there's nobody at the skatepark in the AM, so I can just listen to music and follow the flow. It helps me clear my head and brings me peace, especially when things seem like they're complicated and difficult.

 

This morning was an extremely great example of that, then something really profound happened...

 

This particular skatepark is in an area that sits right under the flight path for the nearby airport, and it houses a diverse community of lower to middle income families. There are also several half-way houses and homes for troubled youth nearby, and many of these neighbors come to the park.

 

This morning a Native American guy in his late 20's walked into the park. He had a backpack and was dressed like he spends the majority of his time outdoors. I glanced at him for a second and just took him for another unfortunate wanderer, then took another run. When I sat back down again, I looked over at him once more, and this time he was staring into the sky. At first I thought he was crazy but what we both ended up seeing was incredible.

 

Two bald eagles were flying high above us. They were courting each other in the air as they fought blustery winds from multiple directions, but still kept within a few feet of each other. They seemed to cope with the unknown influence of the wind around them with amazing grace. As it blew them around, they just went with it...TOGETHER. They would get separated by as much as 10 feet but then would float back together with a little effort. This one part dance, one part metaphor resonated with me deeply. In our lives we are subjected to the turbulent winds and rogue influence from sources unknown. But with a little faith, and a focus on standing together, eventually we make it to the place we want to be. Just like the two eagles, who I'm sure are enjoyng each other's company as I write this.

 

For a second I thought he was a crazy homeless guy. But what he showed me this morning was amazingly powerful and insightful. The man walked across the park, disappeared behind the school buildings, and the eagles faded out of sight.

 

Even thought I was alone again, I felt like I had just been given the best gift ever.

 

MLJ