i smelled him in the fruit trees

i went to mass in maui this morning. the service was held on a serene stretch of shore under a massive tree. the pastor wore sandals and a trucker hat. my girlfriend and i sat side by side on woven straw beach blankets, happy to be enjoying a peaceful post hike moment together.

bongo drums offered a steady and deliberate rhythm for the congregation to raise their voices in praise. we stole glances of a massive sea turtle as his head poked up between rolling waves. whales breached in the distance.

silently i thanked the sweet lord for being present.

whenever and wherever i explored, he was there.

i saw him in the mountains protecting the horizon.

i felt him as the sun warmed my pinking cheeks.

i smelled him in the fruit trees.

i watched him as the sun rose on each new day.

i found him nestled among infinite stars.

i cannot feel cool ocean water or walk barefoot on a sandy beach without feeling his power.

today i give thanks.