It was time to go outside for my nightly ritual to stand within the hush and solitude of this late winter evening. 

As I opened the door, there on the step was a small green tree frog. It was not moving, still lethargic from hibernating all winter. I gently scooped up the wee frog – so cold as I cradled it in my hands – and placed it where it would be safe for it needed to fully awaken in its own time.  

A few nights later when I stepped outside again, the evening air was filled with the croaks of hundreds of tree frogs. The air temperature had risen just enough to bring them out of their winter sleep to unite once again in the cycle of life. The ducks and geese in the ponds joined in with excited quacking. The owls in the forest hooted back and forth. From the forest, fields, and creek came a symphony of the sounds of early spring. The creatures of the land were coming together once more in this song of life.

There are times we need the silence and the solitude, to listen for our own song of the heart; to find the path within where we come to know and trust in the connection between self and something more, the Divine, the Creator, call it what you will. From this trusted silence also comes your voice, to speak with truth and honesty, your words reaching out so that others, too, will know they are not alone in the dark. Your voice, a voice that will awaken others and, together, build caring communities of friendship and unity. 

For this is the life force within us all – we just need to step out our door and listen…