I remember sitting on an enormous boulder covered in moss. It towered over what seemed like a 60 foot drop that would most likely lead to a less than comfortable death had I slipped. I was alone for the moment, and felt a real beautiful second of peace. I was so very content in that moment. It was late spring, the kind of weather where you need a jacket for when you are walking in the shade, but once the sunlight reaches your step you feel the heat beating down, and can't bare another moment clothed. I slowly relaxed my body into a comfortable position, leaning against my recently shed jacket. To my left there was the most magnificant waterfall tumbling down an even larger boulder over a cliff. I sat there in that moment breathing real fresh air, and listening to the wind softly blowing through the freshly budded trees. The only thought or care I had in that moment was that I never wanted to leave. I didn't want that moment to ever end. I seriously considered the possibility of staying there forever. All I wanted was a paint brush and a canvas, or a camera, or a book and a pen. Anything to capture that moment.
I could feel my body slowly sinking into that rock, wanting to leave a permanant impression. The sunlight was trying so hard to find me now, only providing even more comfort for my now drooping eyes. It was so beautiful it made me want to cry. Why can't everywhere look like this? Why can't I just build a small cabin here and survive on the land? I stood up and climbed along the side of the cliff towards the waterfall. I snuck my way behind the waterfall and stood there in the cool shade letting the water splash onto my face without a care. I was covered in mud and stains, but nothing seemed to matter anymore.
I experience many moments in my life much like this. I try to tell myself in that moment, I will never forget this. I will remember this forever. As I grow older, I slowly seem to forget these moments. I seem to forget how to feel that real beautiful peace. I forget how to be carefree. I forget how to let go and just feel. It just doesn't seem fair to experience that much beauty in such a cheated amount of time. I can't say that I talk to God that often, but I thanked him that day. I thanked him for giving me a place to escape, even if it was for just one moment.
After washing my hands and face in the cold water, I scooted my way back up the cliff and towards my resting spot in the sun. I stood there one last moment letting my eyes steal a last glimpse of what seemed like heaven.
I would give anything to return to this spot right now. I just want to be carefree again. I want to breath fresh air again. I want to feel again.
