Finding Life When You Look For It

There's no point in going to a new place if you don't explore it a bit, figure out where you are, find the cool places. I was walking around Appalachian State University's campus after moving my (previously illegally parked) vehicle when I found a small stream between the buildings and the road.

Probably just a drainage ditch, I thought. It was around 7 am on a Saturday in the summer- not much happening on a college campus. So I stood there for a minute looking for signs of life. Nothing in that direction, what about the other, then? I turned to my left for another look.

I almost missed them- small fish the same tawny brown as the sandy bottom, darting around so rapidly it appeared like the bottom of the stream itself was in motion. They traveled in pairs, wriggling around in unison. The overcast morning meant they cast no shadows. I was so glad I'd waited an extra 30 seconds before writing the right side off as not having any life, either, and continuing on my exploratory walk.

I meandered off, marveling at the wonders of nature, and how we can tap into difficult to see phenomena if we are patient and open to the possibility. I thanked the Universe for the lesson, and went to find some coffee.