Climbing the steps and terraces to the plateaus of Machupicchu the vistas emerge with the sunshine.  A brief window of light breaks through the forms, astrological marvels and natures spectacle to grant us a moment of awareness of the place, awareness of the grounding ways Mother Earth bolsters all creation.

Hanging on a hillside, or opening to a town square, or forming living spaces the massive formations evidence civil and structural engineering that to this day remain part fact, part fiction and a genuine mystery.  Was this preserved for our humility?

Yet nothing man made, not even the super engineered can withstand all of natures shaking earthquakes.  The torn corners speak of the might of earthquakes, the surviving foundation speak to a craftsmanship beyond our understanding.

There in the corner, the cornerstone, resting intact with the weight of generations leaning on and toward it. The rain clouds begin to form across the mountain peaks and the rains will wash away our footprints.  Yet these stones speak of a majesty, a story much greater than ashes or civilizations.  These stones speak of an almighty new beginning every day.  No matter what! From my perspective this is both opportunity and obligation, I’ll tip my hat to those who keep helping people strive for lives filled with acceptance. Having come down from the mountain I have no tablets of stone, no secret script, only awe.