Early last week as I sat with my morning coffee I felt lost and discouraged. I found myself praying for wisdom and inspiration. Without warning I found myself on a beautiful Island with beautiful foliage and amazing waterfalls. For a few days I simply explored the Island, finding all the special places and learning lessons from the behaviors of all my forest friends. Two nights ago as I sat at the campfire waiting for my coffee to brew a beautiful White Owl came and sat across from me. I did not move, afraid that if I startled him he may leave. He was magnificent, and looked straight towards me. When my coffee was ready I made very careful movements to pour myself a cup. He tilted his head as though to request a cup for himself. After some careful consideration, would coffee be harmful for this creature? Would it spook him and make him fly away? I poured a second cup and placed it before him. He nodded to me as though to express approval. He dipped his face to the cup and closed his eyes, much as I do when I’m enjoying the strong aroma of a fresh pot, then looked directly at me before flying away. As I watched the sunset that evening I pondered the Owl. I’d heard before that gaining the trust of an Owl was a great honor, and while I slept that evening I dreamt of the magnificent creature. He spoke to me in an unfamiliar language, but I understood him just the same. He told me that this was White Owl Island, and I’d been brought here to discover wonderful things about myself and others who were like me. He then told me of a wonderful ship, the SS Vulcania, that would be coming for me this weekend, to take me on the adventure of a lifetime. When I woke I found a walnut shell in the palm of my hand. Next to my hand was a piece of twine that I used to fashion a chain so that I could wear the shell around me neck. Today I’ve gathered my belongings and come to the gorgeous shoreline of this Island. I have found things in myself that surprise me, and now I’m patiently waiting for a glimpse of the SS Vulcania. I only hope that I have a coffeepot in my cabin.
