The loop is quiet.  A narrow paved strip wraps around a rather large pond that provides a safe haven for wildlife and solitude for exercisers.  The first signs of sunrise silhouettes the houses on the east hill.  She paid special attention on this early morning, one of the first since the winter weeks of shoe-soaking puddles.  She could look up and over and out as she jogged the loop.

For effect, the shadowed water released a mist that rose and floated toward her.  The stars hadn’t completely faded yet.  Some stay put until she notices.  Until she gasps and lifts her praises.  She passed the bench that afternooners use.  She rounded the corner to the hill that temporarily stole her focus.  But there, in a small alcove, a lone duck drifted on the glass.  He depicts the peace that she, as a widow, feels.  Somehow he personifies the calm in her heart.  As she strode on, her neck turned over her shoulder to keep him in her vision longer.  To keep him as a morning gift.

Just as the loop connects, mountains to the west, with laces of snow, and by that time lit in the morning sun’s glow, captured her completely.  She’s seen them many times.  They never fail to speak creator God.  Mighty God.  Majestic God.   She heard His voice.  The loop hears His voice.  They hear and recognize Him.

What could she say?  How could she possibly respond?  Brandon Lake sang a humble answer through her AirPods, “all that I have is a hallelujah.”  And so she thanked God, again, for the loop.  She praised His beautiful handiwork.  She thanked Him for the just-as-beautiful residing peace He created in her to be able to step, to walk a journey, to jog a loop.