I am plunged into anonymity by the velvety darkness. The clanging noises of the day are suddenly hushed. Noisy people with their bulging eyes seeking to see into the lives of others, with ears highly tuned to hear even the whispered thoughts of those they meet, with mouths open wide, waiting to spread gossip like jam across their days and teeth ready to tear into the tender hearts of those that wander in and out of their lives on mistaken pathways as they search in the wrong places for a friend. Both victim and hunter have gone their separate ways until morning dawns once more.

I find myself pleasantly secluded, able to hear the soft voices and thoughts of the night. At first nothing seems connected, as when the instruments of an orchestra are simply warming up.

In the distance the timpani rumble as the last rays of the sun tumble over the purple mountains.

A bassoon and the low strings of the bass accompany the moon as it yawns, stretches, and begins its journey across the sky.

Soft notes from a piccolo mingle with muted flutes to signal the appearance of the first stars in the unfurling tapestry above.

There is no instrument to match the bulging throat of a nearby frog as a chorus of crickets begin their night song.

Seeming to interrupt, while really just wanting to join along, begin the barking of neighborhood dogs and perhaps a coyote’s lonely howl.

The violins slowly, softly rub bows on strings as the breezes blow through the tree leaves.

If you listen closely, through that open window, you can hear children’s voices saying their final prayers of the day and perhaps a mother’s kiss or a father’s hug as it tingles in your ear.

Could it be a soft cymbal or is it a bird winging across the sky? Some may be heading to their nests to cover their young while others seek their first meal.

The unseen Conductor brings each note together at the right moment, as He has done every moment in time since creation.

Alone, on my knees I listen. And worship?