August 31, 2026
Morning Reflections
Providence: Sometimes a Change of Plans Has a Purpose…
I can’t believe it’s already the last day of August.
This morning started in one of my favorite ways. The moment I stepped onto the pier, the birds came flying toward me from everywhere. Their excitement is contagious, and no matter how many times it happens, it never gets old. It is truly one of the best feelings in the world.
People don’t realize how incredibly smart pigeons are. They recognize me, they know when I arrive, and somehow they always seem to find me.
The moon was still shining faintly in the distance as the morning sun began painting everything gold. The pigeons lined up along the railing, the sunlight glistened across the sand, and Pegleg made sure I saw him. A surfer passed by in the distance while wings continued filling the sky around me.
It was such a beautiful way to say goodbye to August.
After the pier, I went to Hot Yoga. From there, I was supposed to go train my client. I thought I knew exactly what the rest of my morning was going to look like.
Then my client canceled at the last minute.
Almost immediately afterward, I looked down at my phone and saw a text from my friend telling me there was a little pigeon near the Cow’s End who needed help.
Suddenly, my change of plans made perfect sense.
I drove over and found this sweet little pigeon looking tired and vulnerable. I picked him up and knew I needed to get him to Bruce in Palos Verdes so he could receive the care he needed.
I decided to name him Providence, meaning divine guidance and protective care.
It seemed like the perfect name because everything that happened that morning somehow created the exact opening needed for me to get to him.
On our drive to Palos Verdes, I watched Providence slowly begin to settle in. At first, he tucked himself underneath my dashboard, finding a quiet little place where he could hide and feel protected.
But as we continued driving, something changed.
By the time we arrived, Providence had climbed out, jumped onto my bag, tucked his little head into his feathers and rested.
I like to think that somewhere along that drive, he realized he was safe.
When Bruce told me that we had gotten Providence there in time and that he should be okay, I was so grateful.
But apparently the morning still had one more gift waiting for me.
As I was driving home, I spotted an osprey perched high on a light post near Ballona Creek. Of course, I immediately pulled over.
I watched as he suddenly launched from the light post, dove straight down into Ballona Creek and came back up carrying the biggest fish. It was incredible.
What a morning.
Nothing after Hot Yoga happened according to my original plans, yet somehow the day unfolded exactly the way it needed to.
Maybe that’s the lesson Providence brought me today.
Sometimes a canceled plan isn’t simply a cancellation. Sometimes it’s an opening.
Sometimes the unexpected detour is actually the path we’re supposed to take.
And sometimes we don’t understand why our plans changed until we discover someone was waiting for us at the other end of that change.
Today, that someone was a little pigeon named Providence.
“Goodbye August. Memories of you will linger on, long after my footprints in the sand are gone. Today, I will carve them in stone.”
What a beautiful final memory to carve into August.
Grateful for the birds that greet me, the unexpected turns, the people who care enough to send a message, the opportunity to help a little life, and another reminder that sometimes the most beautiful days are the ones we never could have planned.
Grateful. Always.
Capturing beauty, sharing light.
—April
