I made my customary trip out of my village, although today’s trip held a specific purpose. The warmth of the late morning whispered promises of an eternal summer. A curious bee hummed along with me before he got distracted by the flowers that lined the road. I didn’t begrudge him any. Life offers up many strange companions, some for a short while, others for a longer time. Most paths diverge at some point.

There was no hurry so I let the journey take on a life its own. I stopped frequently to take refuge from the sun in whatever shade availed itself and when the drooping limbs of trees offered me fruit, I thanked them and accepted their gifts.

By early afternoon I had arrived at my destination, a small clearing. A large boulder dominated the area, squatting heavily over a small stream full of fish.

Bowing once in reverence to the boulder, I washed away the sweat of my journey in the crystal waters of the spring.

“Well, Father,” I said to the boulder, “I’ve found her and now I’ve come for your blessing.”