Years ago, I was on a service trip in Argentina, lying sleepless near the window of a small hotel. I spent the night gazing at the open sky, considering all of the topics that come in the middle of the night, big and small.
When dawn finally came, I found that I’d been contemplating the universe while staring at a brick wall. No skies, no stars, not even a glimmer of moonlight — but I still remember that magical feeling of being in an unfamiliar place, thinking unfamiliar thoughts.
Last year, about this time, I was flying to India on a spiritual retreat. Looking out the window of the plane, I saw some curious lights outside, but dismissed them immediately, thinking that we were flying over some large, light-polluted city.
Turns out those curious lights were the northern lights, seen from above. I almost missed the chance to be awestruck, because I refused to imagine something so wonderful.
Dear Honeybees, as we launch into this shiny new year, I wish you the awe of the northern lights. And when those aren’t available, I wish you the awe of a plain brick wall.