We have a favorite spot up on Mt Graham. It’s peaceful there. We just got back from 4 days of peace and beauty.

We discovered this spot during the year after Ashton died. There’s a beautiful hike close to our campground. We picked and ate the plentiful wild raspberries then that grew along the trail, and came upon 2 owls in a tree close to the trail as we returned back to the campground at dusk. We and the owls just looked at each other for awhile before they flew off. They were beautiful. It was magical.

This time… we found a few small ripe raspberries again, I searched for heart rocks to take back home with me…noticed lots of colorful fungi growing through the bark of the blackened trees, and searched for the vanilla scented bark of the Ponderosa Pine. 

We also got to witness a stunning view of the Gila Valley.

There were no owls this time… maybe that was a once in a lifetime sighting.

There has been a fire in this area since we last camped here. It’s noticeable… but I also noticed that there’s still beauty and peace in the new growth among the blackness. For some of the bigger trees I noticed the blackness at the base where the fire tried to harm but couldn’t catch hold. The tree still stood straight and tall and healthy. It looked well and at peace despite the deep colored scars.

That’s what I want…peace and wellness despite the scars of life I’ve acquired. Don’t we all have some? How do you handle your scars? Do you search for peace like I do? I’m sure we all have different searchings…ways of coping and healing.

Me…I have a never ending search for peace.

I’ve found my hope though…My Savior gives me that. I love Him deeply for it.

Written by Faye