The Buck

The Buck!  No, not the buck stops here or any other clever cliche".  Just the buck! 

Monday Darrell and I went for a hike through the woods at Cahokia Mounds hoping to see some deer.  We had walked a couple of miles and found no wildlife at all.  Nothing but mud left behind after the snow melted.  Yuk!  My shoes were heavy, caked with mud and grass.

As we were heading back down the path toward the truck in the distance I finally saw what we had come for.  No, I take that back, this was not just a deer.  This was one of God's most beautiful creations.  There on the path stood a buck probably 200 pounds with a spectacular rack, his head cocked listening for my footsteps.  I knew I should remain perfectly still but excitement over took reasoning and out of my mouth spewed  "Look - look--look!  He was so magnificent, so grand, that is all my feeble mind could come up with.

Of, course, that is all she wrote.  One brief second he stood there in all his glory and then he was gone.  Still the image remains with me vividly.

Now I am back in my little magic cottage fully engaged in plans for 2012 with dates penciled in for travel and new adventures.  A trip overseas to Spain, white water rafting, checking out the light houses along the Atlantic Ocean, and hiking through the Smokies. 

Yet, right now I just want to explore the beauty and wonder of the gifts God has given us.  Those things that cost little financially.  God only asks us to slow down, open our eyes and breath deeply.  I need to be reminded of that often.  Perhaps now would be a good time to start that Gratitude Journal.