When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.  (Charles Austin Beard )

~~~

I walk daily with my dogs in the neighborhood. I’m often distracted by conversations with neighbors as I pass their homes. There’s a pack of kids who attack me, begging to walk a dog and filling me in (unsolicited) on their adventures that day at school or with friends.

Recently while walking I had the experience of seeing a huge halo around a full moon. It was awesome in every sense of the word. However, as sad as it is, much of the time I do not even look up.

An exception occurred this week. On a crisp autumn night I walked out with the dogs and was struck by the multitude of stars and planets twinkling in the dark sky. Once again: awesome.

My immediate thought: I’m so glad the stars are out.

Then it hit me. Of course the stars are out – they are always out! Every night, whether or not I pay attention, whether or not it is rainy or cloudy or clear, the stars hang in their places in the sky. Occasionally one falls. But they are always there en masse, watching and waiting.

~~~

There’s another saying that relates: “Called or uncalled, God is present.” That one is by Desiderius Erasmus and is often credited to Carl Jung, who discovered it and repeated it in his own writing.

This quote provides reassurance for me. It is also a faith statement. It reminds me how often I forget that things are very often in their places, with us in mind. I have simply failed to look up.

This has been the case for me lately. Things are challenging at work. It is tough. Just last night I stepped outside again with the dogs and observed another starry night. I finally made the connection. It is all going to be okay.

Final thought on stars: they are present even during the day, when no human eye sees them and it is no longer a question of looking up. Still they are there.

~~~

Peace & starry skies.

© Mitzi Viola, 10/7/10