Heat of Life

Sand whipped into my hair, while my covered face stayed free of the grit.

I finally made it to Qasr el-Shams, the castle of the sun.

This was an oasis in Tunisia; it had formerly been an Ancient Roman outpost. Then later on it became a living place for the Berber people.  My heart wandered towards this site, for an unexplainable reason.   It was for the most part unpopulated, and the sights were very breathtaking.   Perhaps I was drawn to this location because I believed that She would enjoy it.

Whispers of the past filled my ears as I looked upon the rock formations.

Bleak beauty was the best way to describe the landscape.   Weathering from erosion had created streaks in the stone, which seemed to come alive.  Like a stream of snakes traveling down towards the hot, inviting sand.

I took a few more steps and brought out my canteen, to moisten my lips.  Misplaced upon my lips, a trickle of precious water trickled down my neck.  I felt immensely better after the water helped me calm my arid throat.

Sparse vegetation was spotted around the outskirts of the oasis, and grew in numbers near the moisture. A few tired palm trees hung around the water. Life was tough in the desert and I sympathized with the trees and grass.

Then I realized why I had wanted to come.

The desert was granted this water to sustain life.   These plants and trees existed here to provide beauty for those who had stumbled across it.

Life is hard and unforgiving but landing upon others who have been struggling, you can rejoice in sympathy.

I quickly fumbled with my rucksack and pulled out my worn leather journal.  Then I furiously started to scribble out my thoughts.   I took charcoal to the paper, sketching out the perspective that I had held.

I felt enlightened by my thoughts, and I prayed that she was able to witness my experience as well.

Feeling very light I continued to walk.

I had learned something very valuable.

Life isn’t to be led in comparison with others, but to realize that life in itself is a struggle. Therefore we must all have to find our own oasis, which blesses us with beauty and reminds us that beauty cannot exist without its own challenges.