HIGH COUNTRY ARCHER

Light wind glides across my face as the winter sun shines upon the face of the sheer cliff to my left, bright sunlight glaring off the rock face contrasts sharply with the dark timber and deep snow where I now stand surveying the raw beauty of this high land. Bighorn sheep feed above me on the windswept ridge, watched closely by a lone eagle who sits at the highest place along the ridge line. For some people the wilderness in late December may see like an unlikely place to celebrate the birth of Christ, for me the only place to celebrate such a birthday is where I feel closest to the creator. Every sight, sound, and wondrous display of natural beauty reminds me that there is truly something sacred about the land I now walk. I have often wondered if Jesus sat upon some rock and admired the natural beauty of all creation in the same way we do. Sunlight dances on the high ridge as the eagle suddenly takes flight, golden wings catch the wind currents lifting the majestic bird skyward as if on a tether. I watch as the eagle soars over jagged peaks, heavy timber, and frozen creeks, confident that his view from above mirrors my own only from a different perspective. I place my hand upon a weathered old fir tree, the fragrant aroma of fresh pine meets my senses as I move slowly through the forest. Tracks of elk, deer, bobcat and martin crisscross the white blanket of new fallen snow laying deep and cold across the land. Sometimes the simplicity of natural movement across a wild landscape is all it takes to stir the soul, I say a prayer of thanks for the Love in my life,(of my life) for my children and for every breath I have taken thus far in this journey since my first breath. Hopefully tomorrow will bring forth another journey, another breathtaking vista and another day of truly living... like my father has always said, no matter where your at... there you are... and it is sure good to be here. Happy birthday Jesus, and tell the old man thanks for the view today, for the clean cold wind, and for the stirring in my soul.. Hawk