One of the hardest things for many people to do is to find peace in their lives.  Whether they are dealing with an addiction or merely the daily stressors that life throws our way.  So often people are moving so fast through their days that they miss the small things that can bring a moment of peace.  All too often I have been guilty of “missing” wonderful gems that have been right under my nose.

I was reminded of that fact while out for my morning walk a few days ago.  The night prior had been one of fitful sleep and rising much earlier than normal had caused me to get outside for my walk about an hour earlier than normal.  For some reason that morning I was able to notice those gems of life.  The temperature was cool for summertime in the desert Southwest.  The moon was brilliant and huge in the sky and was just beginning its descent behind the mountains.  The birds were chirping wake up calls to each other and their morning songs were wonderful.  It was as though I was the only human being on the planet and the serenity of that early morning was fantastic.  The sunrise was casting finger-like shades of red, orange and pink onto the mountains; the hue of the blooming flowers like peacock feathers standing tall.  As I continued my walk with dawn breaking the imagery of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting came to my mind. This must be what it would feel like to be in one of her paintings.  Being surrounded by the desert with the brilliant colors, majestic scenery and a sense of peace that only nature can provide.  No human being can ever match the wonder of “mother nature” and she was in full glory this beautiful dawn.

I actually allowed myself to “fall into” the peace I felt on that early morning walk.  Since that time I have used the memory of that morning to help me slow down and remember that beauty anytime I am feeling the stress of daily life.  What will it take for us to find and hold onto those “gems” that are all around us?  Finding peace takes on a whole new meaning after having the experience of it “thrust” upon you!  You want to sustain it in ways you never considered before.  We all deserve to find peace.  Sometimes it is “thrust” upon us but mostly we have to search for those gems.  Do yourself a favor and open your eyes, your gems await!

“Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small.  We haven’t time, and to see takes time – like to have a friend takes time.”  – Georgia O’Keeffe