I slipped into Pondicherry Park late this afternoon, my heart and mind heavy with thoughts of so many friends who have suffered in recent months.

In the quiet of this place, I recalled that a wise man once told me nature is a window on the world. (RIP: Bishop John–you are missed, but still with us)

I’m not sure that what I’m about to share is exactly what he had in mind, but nevertheless, this is how it looked to me today.

Life is a jigsaw puzzle and sometimes it seems that the pieces fit perfectly, while other times we try so hard to make them work together.

Always, we dig for answers.

Being sensitive to the needs of others and ourselves is key.

Some moments (or hours or days or weeks) are diamonds in the rough–we just have to look for the glint.

Interrupted plans are perhaps meant to give us time to pause and reconsider.

Though it’s difficult to reconsider when the tangles are bittersweet . . .

and we know we’ll be forever scarred.

Sometimes we have to try our darnedest to make the most of what life gives us.

And be like this resilient tree that continues to grow despite the obstacles it met along the way.

There will always be unexpected forces at work that we can’t prevent.

We’d like to follow a straight and even path, but . . .

the texture may change and . . .

there will be a new path to follow, not completely defined.

When life gives us stones, we should build stonewalls.

And cherish beautiful moments, no matter how small.

We need to let the moments when things burrow under our skin

wash away like water over the dam.

The layers of life will forever keep us wondering.

Our best bet, listen to what the stone says.