(Ashes and Indians, Epilogue) Eagles soar...but they also rest their wings.

After the many days of activity surrounding the "Ashes and Indians" events, after numerous family adventures here, reminiscing about our childhood, seeing old places through nostalgic eyes...not recognizing some of them because so much time has passed...after all this, with spirit both dreamy and drained, both growing and groaning...

...I love hearing Jesus say to His disciples, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)   It will take a while for body and spirit to recuperate.  Instead of considering it an inconvenience, since much less will be accomplished of daily tasks and planned projects, it should be looked forward to as an invitation by a loving Lord who Himself designed us with the need for rest.

   
                   Little Eagle

Come, rise up and gaze towards the heavens, amazed,
as God's workings and wonders are birthed.
Be awed as you must, little eagle, but just
don't forget to look back down to Earth.


             Go, aim for the sky, for the Son-light so high.
             Spread your wings out and up from the nest.
             Yes, soar as you must, little eagle, but just
             don't forget to come back down to rest.

                   You've dreams to fulfill.  Touch the stars if you will!

                    Keep your energies ready to spend.
                    Reach out as you must, little eagle, but just
                    don't forget to "be still" now and then.
               
          **************************-Becky Rhon******

Our time-driven society can make us feel pushed to "DO" things, to not waste time, to be "productive"...(until we burn out?).  I was impressed with the Tsáchila's evaluation of time.  During the ceremonies, time stood still.  Everyone who wanted to was allowed to talk...even encouraged to...with no looking at watches, no discreet coughs to speed things along...no pressure to hurry .  And it felt so free, so relaxing and so right. They knew that some things are more important than Time.

The Psalmist said, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  (Ps. 116:7)  A fitting verse for the culmination of the Final Journey, with our parents' ashes and the Tsáchila believers.  He has indeed been good to us!  We can be at rest once more.