First Baptist Church of Herndon

Volleyball Anyone?

Linda Soller | Jun 19, 2023

There is a small, rather soggy field that our neighborhood calls “the common ground.” A group of trees and wet grasses are dead center, the denser woods are on three sides, and the road on the fourth. Not really suitable for much, it’s used for community gatherings, some pickup touch football, and playing fetch with your dog. Oh, I can’t forget there are two polls on one of the flatter spots which are in place to hold a net for volleyball. No net just two polls. Now that I think about it,  I’m not sure who has the net or the ball.

Anyway, this so-called volleyball court without a net has one new enthusiast. Daily a hawk sits atop the pole closest to the road and watches the common area. If I’m being honest, I would say he is scouting for food. But in this crazy brain of mine I think he may be waiting for someone to come play. The reason I have come to this conclusion is because he is there so regularly. The sign of a real fan. People can walk very near and take pictures and he doesn’t just fly off. I think he is giving them a chance to produce a ball and net! Cars driving by don’t seem to spook him. So, he is clearly dedicated to his perch while he waits for an opponent.

Hey, I can hear you saying, this time she has really lost it. Well, let me tell you I have not. If we can’t look at the real world around us in all of its wonder and use our imaginations, our world could become very boring. Don’t think I don’t know the hawk is probably eating little critters. I simply don’t dwell on that, just like I don’t dwell on what I see some humans eat. No, in my world even the hawk can appreciate and utilize a not so perfect piece of land. He sits there well aware no person is tall enough to reach him or maybe brave enough. He watches as we walk by and drive by sometimes too busy to appreciate the nature right in front of our eyes. And in his quiet always observant state I can hear him say, “Volleyball anyone”?

Be the love in the world  : )   Linda