Sunset

That evening, after a beautiful (hot!) ride through a narrow winding canyon, I pitched my tent right on the banks of the Salmon River and enjoyed one of the most glorious and lingering sunsets I've seen in a long time. 

I'll share with you this prayer I found on a postcard back on the Flathead Reservation at St. Ignatius Mission, reminding us to behold the beauty of the sunset and seek strength and wisdom from the Creator. 

An Indian Prayer

O Great Spirit, 

Whose voice I hear in the winds, 

And whose breath gives life to all the world, 

Hear me! 

I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. 

Let me walk in beauty, 

and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. 

Make my hands respect the things you have made

and my ears sharp to hear your voice. 

Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. 

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. 

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, --myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. 

So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.