Looking for Rocks

I went to church this morning by myself because the kids were still in bed.

As I got ready I prayed that God would provide for us this day.

Some neighbors and new friends happened to be in church and invited me and the kids to go out to their cabin and property south of town, on Calamity Creek. No one was terribly excited about leaving the house to traipse around the hills, looking for rocks, but they loaded up anyway.

We clambered and climbed, scrabbled and hiked, up hills, alongside creeks, over boulders, in and out of caves, up ravines. All of a sudden complaints turned into exclamations of joy and pride as we each found different treasures along the way. Mom, looks like the kids have inherited the rock hound gene from their grandmother. Two giant hawks perched on the top of Eagle Nest Mountain, then soared over us, giving quite a show. The cooler temperatures made sweaters feel great, but clear blue sky kissed our cheeks.

Liveoaks lined the creek banks. So did algerita bushes. And believe it or not, many of the same kinds of rocks we had on our farm in Central Texas. I felt so at home. Memories of countless other holidays, wandering the property with visiting family and friends, picking over rocks, filled my mind.

After a long hard traipse, we piled into the cabin and visited and ate and made friends. I can't suppose I can think of any better way we could have spent the afternoon.

I think when I go to sleep tonight I will dream of the many different colors extravagantly strewn across the rocks and boulders of Calamity Creek. And will be thankful for people willing to open up their lives and share with us this New Year's Day.