Then later, in my office, I glance out the window and the whole congregation is here—red squirrels and gray, chickadees and nuthatches and jays and woodpeckers and finches. They seem to arrive together. Why? And who’s the leader? And who follows? And how does the word spread? Blue jays are particularly adept town criers, I know; and other birds often flock and hang around with chickadees. But I don’t really know… the how and the why.

I’m left with the thought that in a deep freeze or bad weather, or a nasty storm, or just anytime, no one wants to be alone. Even a little cabin-in-the-woods is not isolated. We are all a part of each other. And derive strength and comfort and direction from one another. From the community of life. Even across species. It certainly seems true for chickadees and squirrels. And for ravens and wolves as I have read. It’s true for me. I’ll bet it’s true for you as well. Good morning from the forest.