The sound of a bird singing its little heart out is like God’s trumpet call from the beginning of a new day through to the end of the day. As I attended a retreat recently, the birds didn’t adhere to the instruction of ‘silent retreat’ – from first light, through mass, lunch, evening meal and lights out – they sang continuously!  I think they were putting a voice to all our thoughts and prayers during that week – which we were all so very grateful for! The calming sounds of nature also gave great respite from today’s rush and materialistic world.  The simplicity of sounds such as the rippling water in the …