Keep Your Eyes Open

432 words

Enhance your life with moments of glory
by Dianne Roth

Each day, if I watch closely, a gift is waiting to be discovered. A jewel is strewn in my path, seen only for an instant.

On a drive earlier this fall, I saw what looked like a cat run across the road. Only, it did not run like a cat. Just as it disappeared into the grasses, I caught a glimpse of the white tip of its tail. It was a fox!

A few of weeks ago, driving through the fog along a country road, a swirl of smoke rose and quickly drifted across the road. I slowed way down and was completely surprised to see that the smoke was a flock of IBBB’s (also known as itty-bitty-brown-birds). My guess is they were bushtits or ruby crowned kinglets, heading for warmer climes.

Last week, a left turn brought me face to face with a sunbow. The sun was just dropping behind the mountains, but its glow was filled with bands of yellow, orange, green, and blue. I did not know there was such a thing.

Yesterday, I saw mountain shadows in the sky. The sun was coming up in the east and clouds filled the sky. For a moment or two the shadows of the mountains were cast across the clouds. It was spectacular.

This morning, I watched as dark, black, whale clouds drifted over the mountains in a sea of orange light. It was a wild painting, filling the entire sky with blacks and fiery oranges. In moments it was gone.

As you make your way along the twists and turns of life’s path, I hope you can find moments that make you gasp in awe. The sunrises along the highway are wonderful, glance eastward.

The wind has been coming from the south, but more than likely it came from the north, swinging south before it blew up our valley. Lift your head and sniff. I bet you can get a little whiff of glaciers and polar bears.

There are foxes and IBBB’s about for those who will slow down a moment to take longer look. Keep your eyes peeled. And, I am almost sure that soon, if you cock your head just right and stand perfectly still, you will hear the crocus and daffodils pushing their way out of the cold, cold ground.

Do not let these moments be lost to you because you are worried, tired, or angry. Avoid the preoccupation of imaginary conversations. And, when you do have a glorious moment, share it. Sharing makes it real again, allowing its glory to last a little bit longer.

Dianne Roth is a teacher, mother, grandmother, and freelance writer. She lives in Oregon.