I watched a gull today as he waddled before me, clumsily walking the water’s edge.  His footprints were splayed into the sand, triangular shapes laid before me.  I wondered why he walked instead of flying; why would one born to soar aloft choose instead the difficult and awkward task of walking?  Then I began to wonder about myself.  Why do I sometimes choose to live a life apart from God, even for brief moments when I could choose instead to be close to him?  Why do I refuse to forgive myself when God has already forgiven me?  Why do I reject God’s love when it is so freely given?  Forgive me, Father, when I choose to walk clumsily on my own rather than soar by your side. Amen.