The Slow Down

I have been contending with a personal knee injury for over two months now and while I await my impending surgery date, I have been forced to slow down quite a bit.  It certainly has been another eye opening period of time, when one is subjected to the fact that our body parts are wearing out and some tune ups or patch ups are needed to keep us going.  I figure since our cars and trucks need these maintenance periods, then we are no different in that form of reference.  I can tell you what I miss most is just the simple pleasure of a walk outside, with my music playing on my MP3 device, as I head up a hill that is filled with lots of natures beauty.  As I drive by it these days, I simply wave to it and whisper that I will be back soon.  In my mind, I already picture that as I look at the trees that may now be bigger or sprouting different leaves.  The different flowers that bloom during the winter rainy and cold weather, are also awaiting for me to stop by and admire them in their state of being.  My saving grace with my connection to plants and nature are my own set of flowers and plants that are on my patio.  I have been able to go outside and sit next to them, as I admire all of the new growth along with the flourishing greenery that is loving the season of rain that has come upon us in Southern California.  My thoughts have also been with the nearby mountains and deserts who as a result of some of this seasonal wet weather, will soon be teeming with lots of lush green colors, while the flowers that bloom in the more arid areas are percolating with an explosion of beauty that is just imminent.  When you slow down, you realize that the things you take for granted at times is what one can miss the most.  What has come out of this experience is another sense of deep gratitude for the many other things that I do have as part of my health and although this may be a hiccup for now, I always remember that others are struggling with illnesses that are far more worse than mine.  It does not take long to take inventory of those items that one can be appreciative of.  I also see that with technology, the window to the world is simply waiting on a screen of a myriad of devices that can instantly take you to those places that you miss or wish you were at.  On a daily basis I make the time for pause reflection and prayer, as they are part of my life and in this existing state, I find that there are just many more opportunities to revel in them.  What has transpired is a period of quiet peace that some people have to make time for, while I can carve out many periods of them through out the day.  While I can't wait to get back to my hill and the beauty of its surrounding nature, I will patiently anticipate that day when I can greet it with a smile that is reminiscent of a reunion with an old friend.