Bone deep

What is not found in a drink: presence. There are other things found in a glass but generally alcohol takes me away, up up and away. I am there with that first often delicious glass. I love the taste of wine and also a good hoppy beer. It is so nice to also feel my self loosen with each sip. I am there with that first glass but then I start to float away and get louder with the next. It's so nice until it's just okay and then sometimes not so nice at all. Afterwards I often feel hungry or even a little empty. Like where did it go, these momentary guests of laughter and merriment?

Real presence starting in the bones is more like this: I drop my son off at his pre-game soccer practice at 9 am. My running shoes are laced and the plan is to run while he warms up. There is that wonderful fall sense - chilly air and the lightening is low and bright. 

I start to run and hit a trail I haven't been on in all my time living here. It goes along the canal but there is no fencing between the water and trail. 

I am running against alongside a cool slip of water. There are loads of ducks moving about. One duck in particular catches my eye. It is moving it's web feet against current and bobbing its' head in and out of the water. Sunlight illuminates the depths of the green blue water. 

Ah, I feel so joyous and light. It is just me grabbing this moment between rushed parenting moments. There are leaves and families and bicycles and dogs. It's so simple and so deeply gratifying.

This is presence. I feel it in my bones and I keep drinking from its' well - bottomless. Nothing a glass could ever hold.