Nevertheless, that other men may not mistake this that I say, therefore I shall say it more plainly. Thou shalt understand that there be two rewards in the bliss of heaven, which our Lord giveth to chosen souls. The one is Sovereign and Principal, and is called the Essential Reward, and that is the knowing and loving of God according to the measure of charity given by God to the soul while she lived here in mortal body. This reward is best and Sovereign, for it is God Himself, and is common to all the souls that shall be saved, in what state or degree soever they live in holy Church, more or less according to the quantity and the muchness of their charity in this life, what degree soever they live in. (John Climacus)

With Climacus I do not read ahead. I spend most of my life trying to "read ahead" and predict what is still to come. For these morning meditations I purposefully engage what is presented in the moment and deal only with that.

This morning as I left my house a deer with two tiny fawns stood between me and the sunrise. I stood quietly. After the deer noticed me I slowly edged away to leave them in peace.

Usually I leave my house through a different door. On my usual path I would not have encountered this morning's verdency.

This is, I think, an example of the Essential Reward of knowing and loving God. It comes unexpected, it is beautiful, and it leaves one more whole than a moment before.

But if we become self-conscious with pride, or fear, or in some other way, God will ease away until we are better able to remain with the moment in full faith and love.

Oh fire of the Holy Spirit,

life of the life of every creature,

holy are you in giving life to forms...

Oh boldest path,

penetrating into all places,

in the heights, on earth,

and in every abyss,

you bring and bind all together

From you clouds flow, air flies,

Rocks have their humours,

Rivers spring forth from the waters

And earth wears her green vigour

Hildegard of Bingen