Opening Reflection
The morning sun streamed softly through the crowns of the trees as I walked from the train to my worksite, following the familiar lakeside path. It was one of those golden mornings—quiet, peaceful, that filled the body with calm and clarity. I wasn’t seeking anything special, just enjoying the gentle rhythm of the walk and the light above me. And then, the stillness broke with a tiny movement on the ground.
Observations Along the Trail
I paused. Something had stirred near the base of an old oak. When I knelt to get a closer look, I found myself face-to-face with a gopher. Its small, alert eyes peeked out from a burrow nestled in the soil, watching me. He was still and unafraid. We looked at each other. Soon, I could hear footsteps and barking approaching. A group of people was walking with their dogs. Without thinking, I stayed there by the sidewalk, shielding the gopher from the bustle and noise.
I scanned the ground and noticed a few scattered acorns and fresh blades of grass nearby. Hesitantly, I picked up an acorn and gently offered it. To my amazement, the gopher took it: he disappeared briefly to tuck it inside his burrow. Then he returned to the entrance, eyes on me once again. I offered another. And another. Each time, he accepted the gift, placed it into his home, and came back.
Closing Wonder
Even months later, I think of the gopher frequently. I still walk the same path and always glance at the base of that oak, whispering a greeting. Sometimes I wonder if he’s still there, stashing seeds beneath the soil, remembering our shared moment. That morning was more than a chance encounter—it was a lesson in quiet trust, in giving without expectation, and in recognizing the intelligence and presence in each other.
We met in the stillness of the sunny morning, the two beings on different paths, connected by a few acorns and a whole lot of wonder.
The post was prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT.