December 29-C, 2022

**Mistaya Canyon 09/26/2009 Oil Paint Rendered — Jasper National Park, Alberta**

The way that is the way
is like snow melt 
finding its path to the sea.

Like a baby knowing what to do
with a nipple.

Like a duckling taking to water.

Like people naturally being 
who they are,
liking what they like,
laughing at what pleases them.

It is not like following a recipe
for snickerdoodle cookies
or wondering how to tell
when they are done.

It is like making them for 
the 500th time without a recipe
and taking them from the oven
when it is time to do so,
not because someone tells you
but because you know when it's time.

The way that is the way 
is like this
in every situation as it arises.
See if you can sense it,
know it,
feel it
and act in response to it
in ways appropriate to the occasion.

Practice doing so in every situation.
Become expert at reading the times
and responding to them
like ants finding the picnic.

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Published by jimwdollar

I'm retired, and still finding my way--but now, I don't have to pretend that I know what I'm doing. I retired after 40.5 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, serving churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, Texas, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My wife, Judy, and I have three daughters and five granddaughters within about twenty minutes from where we live--and are enjoying our retirement as much as we have ever enjoyed anything. View more posts