Last evening as I was reflecting on the day, I was tempted to become frustrated at how little I had accomplished – or rather, how little I had accomplished from my preconceived priority list for the day. However, I am working to teach myself to be open to where life leads me…no twittering the day away carelessly, but really paying attention to what is important. I then did another review of what actually happened, and I was reminded that something that had bubbled up during the day may just be a significant piece of my life purpose.
My reflections took me back to a scenario that happened this past fall. One late October morn, my two golden retrievers and I launched out into the brisk air in search of the fully loaded persimmon tree hidden among the mature pines across the lake. Our feet searched for secure footing among the fallen leaves as we made our way up and down hills, through stickers and thick brush. After repeated stops to gaze up into the majestic trees, I finally spotted the tree perched high on the edge of a steep bank overlooking the water below. We had joyously reached our destination, only to discover that the persimmons were still bitter. Mother Nature had yet to ripen the sweet fruit by painting her frost on them.
I was so disappointed, but sauntered through the woods in full appreciation of the crisp air filled with the aroma of pine and decaying leaves. Nothing could be more breathtaking and invigorating than this beautiful forest out in the wild. However, I winced as I noted all the fallen trees, victims of the previous winter’s ice storm.
As we made our way through the rough terrain, there before me in the center of the woods was an exquisitely leaved holly bush. I paused to reach down, touch the little tree and exclaim, “Oh, how beautiful you are! How in the world did you ever get in here, little holly bush?”
The words of Louise Hay come to mind, “Deep in the center of our being is an infinite well of love.” Ahh, deep in the center of our being…is why we are here and what we are meant to do. Maybe we are searching with all our might for the hidden persimmon tree, only to be disappointed when we arrive there. On the other hand, maybe something today will just bubble up out of nowhere and present itself to us like the little holly bush in the center of the forest. What an adventure to see what happens with this precious day!
