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Walking along the Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone Park, I scrutinized the shore to locate fresh bear tracks along the way.
Earlier, standing in a long line for the primitive toilets, I saw that the man in front of me held a can of bear spray ready for use in his hands. When I inquired why he had it out, he told me he was a guide and had seen bear tracks near the river earlier in the day, before his hike.
With that in mind, I carefully made my way along the river to take some quick photos of the steaming geysers. No sign of any tracks so far. But my adrenaline was up just thinking about possibilities.
A Native American proverb attributed to the Sioux Nation says, "We will forever be known by the tracks we leave." Those bear tracks sent a message to the guide to take precautions as he led hikers along the trail.
My brain immediately was stimulated, associating stories and images from my memory, and with apprehension, I was on the alert for a possible dangerous encounter.
Fear emanates when encountering traces of these powerful predators. Yet, the opposite of this strong emotion is what humans were originally created to leave.
Love is the fragrance that dispels fear. Love tracks can be what we choose to leave behind in the minds and emotions of the people we encounter. Love speaks loudly without the accompaniment of words.
Joyful laughter, thoughtfully expressed observations, humble responses and mannerisms discharged change the atmosphere.
As Philippians 2:3-4 says, rather than walking in conceit or selfish ambition, value others even more than yourself. Observe and listen. Seek to understand the others around you: value them.
Verse 15 says, then you will shine among them like stars. No, not so you can stand out like somebody special, but to bring light into a dark space of someone's life. Comforting with hope, and drawing them into a more peaceful place.
I sat on a bench near the river listening to the calls and songs of robins, sparrows, and cowbirds. The sky above was blue with billowy clouds sailing lazily by. How could a place so lovely be so close to danger and death?
This day in Yellowstone, I was momentarily affected when I heard about bear tracks that I personally never saw. Beauty soothed my soul and dissolved my anxious thoughts.
Listening to the stories of several people I traveled with over meals and during rest stops. Taking photos of one man who traveled alone so he could have memories of his visit.
Laughter and fun as 'Jerry jokes' and the tour director's Dad jokes spilled out throughout the day. Bowed heads as we held hands with others to speak our gratitude before we ate.
Later, hugs were shared at the end with many with whom I felt a kinship after this nine-day tour. Refreshed and alive, we all waved after exchanging numbers and cards. So many places represented by each one who took home a bit more joy and peace from the time spent together.
This is what life is all about. This is who we are meant to be. Leave love tracks wherever you go each day. This will change the world for someone.
A great song... we are seen by the unseen Creator, no matter what. We are not alone. (click the link to listen)
