The Ducks - Did They Forget?

In Michigan we were having an unusual warm spell. For about six weeks, since November, it had been in the 40's, 50's, and even the 60,s - with rain, not snow. That was quite unusual and we were all expecting to get blasted with a blizzard any day. But until then, people were still mowing their grass, doing yard work, and taking walks without coats on – it was great. Especially for me, because I really detest Michigan winters. I love nature and the outdoors, but in the winter I become a recluse. I also become very afraid to drive on the ice, slush, and snow packed roads. So, I was totally thankful for our weather situation. Especially knowing that we would be in Utah in two weeks and they already had over a foot of snow in the mountains.

We live across the street from beautiful Lake Bella Vista. From our second floor master bedroom we have a gorgeous view and can see all the way to the other side of the lake. It was one of those 50 degree days and the water was so blue you'd think it was still summer. The sun was out and shinning down on the water, making it sparkle. A slight breeze was causing small ripples in the lake and it really felt peaceful. However, the entire sight was really weird for December! It kind of seemed like a movie where someone spliced in the wrong scene. My mind was telling me it was December but my eyes were seeing something from, maybe, July!

I stood there (in a bit of confusion) watching the scene, trying to get either my mind to agree with my eyes; or my eyes to agree with my mind. Then I noticed a whole flock of ducks swimming so pleasantly, as ducks do. Not looking at all in a hurry, just relaxing and swimming rather close to shore. Meandering in circles, floating around like there's nothing better to do. Just soaking in the sun, breeze, warmth..........

My eyes were totally enjoying the calmness and tranquility of this July, I mean December, scene. December! Suddenly my mind kicked in and I felt a lot of anxiety. Oh my gosh, don't they realize it's December? We could be hit with a blizzard any day now. Shouldn't they be flying south or something!? Did they forget? Did they get caught up in this make believe July that someone accidentally spliced into December? Those poor birds have been tricked - they should be packing their bags and heading out. What if they all die in the blizzard? And those trees, with the buds coming out, they have been tricked too. The buds and the birds will all die - what a cruel trick!

It really bothered me but then, turning my gaze back onto the ducks, they seemed very self confident of what they were doing. No anxiety for them, not a bit! I guess they must have this instinct, intuition, internal voice - like humans except we usually don't listen to ours - that tells them what to do and when to do it. They don't have to follow a set schedule, yet they know when to go. Boy, just think of all the relaxation they would have missed if they would have left in the beginning of November! And just think of all the beauty WE would have missed if the trees would have shut down in October. It's October, let's close up shop - no buds again until April.

Nature sure knows what it's doing - and it appears to be so simple. Humans make things so complicated - and we still don't get it right.