Nature's Orchestra Warm Up

This morning I stepped outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the rising sun. Instead the sky was blanketed in a solid gray cloud from horizon to horizon. A moderate cool humid breeze chilled my skin reminding me that today's forecast calls for precipitation.

I stood quiet and still and began to hear the sounds of the birds. From all sides I could hear what at first seemed to be a cacophony.

Then I listened more closely. I could make out the distinct songs of the different birds. I cannot begin to put in words the majesty of each individual song. Some were long and low pitched. Others were rapid high pitched trills. In between was a wonderful assortment of tweets, whistles, and caws coming from all sides.

I was reminded of the times I had arrived early for a musical and the orchestra was warming up in the pit, hidden from view. It is a random assortment of notes and rhythms all happening at once that do not produce music for the listener. However a person can listen intently and hear each individual instrument performing the exercises that best prepare him to play his best during the main event.

Much as an orchestra warms up in preparation for a great performance, I could imagine each creature warming up to prepare for its great performance of this day.