When I was in high school, I would walk to the creek in our neighborhood on days when I was stressed out or upset about something.  This creek is hidden from the road.  To get there you have to take a sidewalk that leads into the woods.  A little ways ahead is a clearing where you can see park benches.  Once you see the park benches you know you are almost there.  This spillway is no Niagara Falls, but for an ordinary  Fort Worth neighborhood it is spectacular.  Unexpected beauty.  What I have not mentioned yet is that as soon as you enter the woods you start to hear the noise—the powerful sound of rushing water.  This place is a gem.  I think the best part about it is that you have no idea it’s there until you either hear about it from someone else or randomly stumble upon it.  I find myself drawn to this place even now in my late 20s.  There is something about the peaceful yet loud rush of water that inspires me and calms my soul.

My husband and I actually went there last night.  He had never seen it and I wanted to share this hidden creek with him.  On the walk back to the car, we passed a house (there are many houses that back up to the grassy clearing) with a large covered patio.  We could see the patio from a ways back, but as we grew closer we could hear the singing.  A group of people were standing on the back patio singing worship music.  Someone was playing the guitar too and it was one of the most beautiful things I have heard—a group of people praising the Lord on a gorgeous and quiet Monday night.  This was a perfect, surprising ending to our creek visit and all I could do was thank God for those precious minutes.  I am grateful for that time and continue to treasure this spot.  I won’t be surprised if I find myself drawn to this place throughout my adult life.  Where is your place of reflection and rejuvenation—your hidden gem?