“It is paradoxical, but profoundly true that the most certain way for people to bring hope, help, meaning, and joy to their own lives is by reaching out and bringing hope, help, meaning and joy to the lives of others.” – Dan Zadra
At ANASAZI, we strive to walking gently upon Mother Earth. This means that we do everything in our power to leave no trace as we walk across the desert. For example, we leave no trace of a campfire, no trace of our campsites, no trace of our harvesting. (In a later post, I’ll have to tell you about the joy I find in stirring and scattering – and often wearing – the mud and ash first thing every morning as we erase the evidence of a beloved fire.)
But, today, I’ve been thinking about the times I’ve hoped to find a trace. At the fork of many dry creek beds, I have searched for desperately for a trace of footprints as I chose which way to turn. In barren places, I have cherished a note or flower left in a tree for my little band to find. On ridgelines I have been inspired in finding stories pecked in stone by the ancient ones who walked before us. I have so often found joy in the traces of beauty left in the desert by the Creator to calm my heart and mark my path. Those traces had power to lift and lead me.
Because there are surely those behind you who will be searching for footprints, for signs of hope and life and travelers who have walked their path, I ask – what trace will you leave?