The cool water trickles as it falls from the rocks and crashes into the pool.  As I stand and look at this little oasis in the bend of the trail I find it very refreshing to both body and soul.  The gentle sounds of the freefalling water soothes as much as does the sight of the lush and thriving flowers that surround the moist stones.  The scent of Mother Natures perfume factory rises to greet me with an aroma that awakens and relaxes me at the same time. 

        As I pause here for these few moments, I take a long cool drink of beauty and solitude.  And with each refreshing sip I feel a little stronger, more relaxed and better equipped to face the road ahead of me.  Sometimes I forget just how important and therapeutic it is to take the time and pause for a little R&R.  Sure I have the standard excuses; my schedule is full, I am too busy, and I have too much to do.  But of course I know that at the end of the day, I found time to do the things that were important to me; sadly taking time to enjoy the beauty of an ordinary day is not on my list of priorities most days.

        Too many nights I have laid my head upon my pillow and was surprised that sleep eluded me.  Stress is a natural result of being too busy to enjoy the many daily blessings scattered in our paths every day.  We fill our schedules with important things and somehow fail to include any of the essential things like slow walks with old friends, kind words for strangers and solitude.  Let us take time today for the things that really give life meaning.  Let us count a day wasted that did not include moments of quite reflection.  Squandered is the day if someone is not helped and encouraged from meeting me.  We are only here for a short visit.  So be sure to stop and smell the flowers.

        As we walk through this desert it is vital that we learn to pause and enjoy the oasis when we find them.  If we lay down tonight with parched lips and a dry throat it will be our own fault.  There are plenty of opportunities to fill our canteens; we simply have to take the time to kneel down and enjoy the refreshment we walk by each day.  And if we would keep our canteens filled we might be surprised how many thirsty people we meet every day, dying for a refreshing drink of water.  Happiness is a choice; choose to enjoy and share your blessings.

Something to think about:

• True silence is the rest of the mind and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.

• A lot of the troubles of life come upon us because we refuse to sit quietly for a while each day to enjoy our blessings.

• A relaxed, easygoing person is miles more attractive and effective than the rigid, uptight brother who squeaks when he walks and whines when he talks.

• Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials. Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish. It is wise. Taking your day off each week or rewarding yourself with a relaxing, refreshing vacation is not selfish.  It’s spiritual. There is absolutely nothing enviable or spiritual about a coronary or a nervous breakdown, nor is an ultra busy schedule necessarily the mark of a productive life.

• For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

• If you are losing your leisure, look out! You may be losing your soul.

• The best time to relax is when you don’t have time to relax.

• Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.

Thankful for daily refreshment
Rickey Moore