The day was cool and breezy as I walked where the furious waters of Little River usually run wild and free.  Located near Fort Payne the spot where I stand is called Little River Falls and is part of the Little River Canyon National Preserve.  The Little River is a proud body of water and is said to be the nation's longest mountaintop river but the severe drought that grips much of the southeast has reduced this beautiful river to a small trickle.

        As I look underneath the massive bridge my imagination traces the route of the furious waters.  Carved into the stone I can see his fingerprints.  As I place my hand upon the footprints the racing river has left behind I imagine my hand is a needle and these patterns in the rocks are just the groves cut into a giant record.  As my fingers move over the rugged surface I remember the thunderous melody of my mighty river.  It is not difficult for me to recall the deafening crash of the waters as they slammed into the defenseless rocks below.  But today all is silent in the absence of our music maker… water.

        I miss my mighty friend.  As I stand here looking into the silence I begin to feel a little lonely.  Like the first quite moments after my children depart after Christmas, I miss their sounds of laughter and the happy noises of family.  So it was on this day as I stand on the parched rocks, I long for the clear waters I have taken for granted most of my life.  How sad that we seldom realize the value of anything until it is taken away.  Health, sleep, family and friends we take them for granted until the day they are take from us.

        Let us live this day with appreciation and gratitude.  The ordinary things and people that make up our ordinary lives will not always be here.  One day I will desire more than anything else to have one more ordinary day.  One day I will say my last goodbye to the friends I simply take for granted today.  Don't wait until it is too late to love and appreciate them to realize how fortunate you are to have them in your live.  Happiness is a choice; choose to appreciate and enjoy what you have.

Something to think about:

• It is human nature to grumble at having to get up early in the morning—until the day comes when you can’t get up.

• The question is not what a man can scorn, or criticize, or find fault with, but what he can love and value and appreciate.

• To be really enjoyed, sleep, health, and wealth must be interrupted.

• Appreciation and praise are the lubrication that makes life more enjoyable to us and others.

• When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

• Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.

Thankful for good friends and the love of family
Rickey Moore