A day of snow ended with a flaming sunset that glowed warm yellow and orange in the center of the light.  Cool pink and blue surrounded the flame, reflecting the cold whiteness of the January earth.  The Old One knew this was no ordinary sunset—the light signified a special unfolding of time and events.

The next morning snow fell again.  With it came an unusual occurrence—a large black crow flew to the tree beside the dwelling and spoke to the Old One.  “Go to the top of the world where the Three Wise Guardians stand, then find the Giver of Life.”

A second crow flew to the Maple tree and this time the message was for the Young One.  “Make a path for the Old One, for the Old One has spent many years making a path for you.”  A tiny Chickadee scribe marked the words of these extraordinary messengers.

The Old One and the Young One looked at one another in dismay at the talking of the crows.  Remembering the flaming sunset from the night before, the Old One prepared for the walk to the top of the world with hope and excitement.  The snow stopped falling, and the sky became a brilliant blue, reflecting its tint on the snow.

And as they walked through the snow, the Young One made a path for the Old One, just as the crow had instructed.

They reached the top of the world where the guardian Oaks stood strong and wind-swept.

“Find the Giver of Life,” thought the Old One.  So the Old One followed the Young One down the steep hill to the River, holding on to resilient saplings for support, and was glad the trail blazed by young legs made the going a little easier.

The River was covered in ice and snow.  A circle of open water along the bank warned the Young One and Old One not to walk on the ice, for the flowing current underneath made the way uncertain and dangerous.  So they walked between the shore and the rocky outcroppings.

Old One stepped on something under the snow that crunched and gave away.  Young One, who had walked the path before the snow, said it was trash, bags of trash.  Old One was horrified that such a beautiful, life-giving place was littered with garbage.  Dispirited, Old One turned to go back, wondering why the crows had sent them down to the River, the Giver of Life, only to find danger in the ice-covered river and rubbish strewn along its shores.  All covered over with pure white, beautiful snow.

The walk back home was more difficult.  The steep hill and frigid cold grabbed the air from Old One’s lungs.  The trek that had started out so hopeful and inspiring had turned arduous and disheartening.  What did the Three Wise Guardians at the top of the world know about the journey and what lay below their watchful eye?

The Young One led the way with strength and silence, knowing the Old One was discouraged and slow but still determined.  When almost home, the Young One pointed to a log that had been split in half.  “Look.  The snow has made the log whole again.”

“I will guide you.  I will turn darkness into light before you and make the rough places smooth.”  –Isaiah 42:16