"Excavating is not glamourous work on an archealogical dig. It demands painstaking effort in often harsh conditions. Tons of dirt need to be removed carefully from the site if the search to uncover treasures from the past is to be successful. No matter how impatient everyone on the dig is, the excavation process can not be rushed." --Sara Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance

As I read this I thought about how each piece of material in a dig is examined closely to discover its significance and purpose. If a dig is rushed, precious pieces of the past may be destroyed or at least broken and rendered less valuable. Also in the rushing some valuable items may be overlooked - a tiny gemstone discarded as a lump of dirt when all it would take would be a gentle touch, some brushing or some water to clear away the dirt and reveal it's brilliance.

How often do we rush the process of discovering ourselves and miss the true brilliance of our lives, of our gifts and talents. How often do we dismiss them as inconsequential, too tiny to be of value. We forget that a small diamond may be worth far more than a large amethyst. What have we missed or dismissed in our lives?

Perhaps it's time to slow down and look more carefully at our past, to see where we came from and how that links to our present. Maybe we missed a valuable piece along the way that we can recover and which may lead to a major change in our lives or a better appreciation of who we are now.

....Where are those soft brushes? That water? Let me learn patience as I uncover my treasures!

Fran Watson "Expert Author" http://www.franwatson.ca http://www.mormunny4u.org http://www.diet-basics.org