Use your voice
Jim and I went camping. We had a weekend off and packed up our things and went away. Not too far away, this little spot in Groveland was just perfect. Surrounded by mountains it reminded me how little I
am in the vastness of the area, the country, the world, the universe. We were surrounded by chaparral,
where cows were grazing, squirls digging holes, and frogs created a symphony. The live oak trees swayed in the wind while we sat, read, thought, prayed, talked and just enjoyed the semi quietness of
the world.
But then there were the birds! I don't know much about birds, so forgive my ignorance, but the wild
turkeys make me laugh. The red winged birds by the creek whose voices are so unique. The woodpecker who keeps tapping looking for good things to eat. The big crow who is trying to swoop down to get
some leftover crumbs and announces his coming. The singing birds, too numerous to count. Each one breaking into the silence of the campground to announce themselves. Some boisterous, confident, and loud, others timid yet beautiful. Some birds only sang during certain times; others would not stop. Each
of them bringing a unique melody to the camp. Each one having a voice that belongs only to them. Bird
experts can name them by their song, not me, I just listen.
That made me think of community. Here in Merced, we have thousands of unique voices (over 280
thousand). Some voices are loud and outspoken, some voices, just make me smile. Others are more
quiet and yet persistent. While others don't know that they have a voice yet. Each one of us has a unique voice, a unique role to play in the melody of life. I want to encourage you, use your voice! Find your voice, speak up, let others know that you are part of this community of Merced County and that
your voice matters. Some voices speak up because they want something for themselves. Other voices speak up because they are part of a larger symphony. So, don't be quiet, let your 'one of a kind' voice be
heard!