By lingering and listening, we witnessed a moment of beauty.

The story is a guide, gently challenging us and pointing us to insight. Stories are not mere entertainment or edifying tales; they are meant to assist us in cultivating an inner voice. When we reach a situation similar to that of the story in some respect, we may hear the voice of our teacher in the voice of the story. That voice provides

And slowly, very slowly, it became clear to me what they were saying. Said the river: I am part of holiness. And I too, said the stone. And I too, whispered the moss beneath the water. I’d been to the river before, a few times. Don’t blame the river that nothing happened quickly. You don’t hear such voices in an hour or a day. You don’t hear them