What She Saw

"Yes, it was really strange," said the hiker, still holding the medicine bundle.

"What was strange?" asked Meredith.

"I was hiking on the hillside, up there," she pointed up the hill, "and I saw this incredibly bright light in the sky. It was really intense! And hot. I could feel the heat all the way down here.

"Then I heard a loud sound, like thunder, and I saw you fall," she continued. "You were wearing this white robe. You kind of floated down from the sky, from that light in the sky, and you landed here."

What She Knew

"Here's your pack," said the hiker.

"Thank you." Meredith opened the pack, drew out the medicine bundle and extended it toward the young hiker. "Thank you for assisting me. I want you to have this bundle.  It is sacred and will bring you much joy." I've said this before, she thought. 

"Thank you, but I couldn't," said the younger woman.

"You must," said Meredith, placing the bundle in the reluctant young hiker's hands.   Thus I gave it away last time, and the time before. I was afraid to go forward, to take the next step. I just procrastinated, started over where I began.  

Suddenly she knew she had a choice. The thought came, Why not keep the sacred bundle this time? It is my responsibility, after all.  

Know Why

"You're right, it's mine. I'll keep it," Meredith said, taking back the bundle.  

I must convince the world to act now. I must write articles.  I must speak at conventions and address my peers. I must persuade people to save the environment. I must teach EarthWisdom so others can feel the earth's pain and respond to it.  

Awed by the enormity of the task, the mature Meredith looked into the eyes of the young hiker, who appeared equally amazed.