Accompanied by Ed and Vickie, friends from Kerrville, Texas, Jack and I drove to Mason, Texas in search of the legendary topaz that can be found in Mason County. The ranch where we would search, sent a cowboy to meet us at a Dairy Queen, and we followed him in Ed’s truck through ranch roads to our destination. It took us through pasture land of which we had been warned, “Don’t mind the cattle. During a drought we drive this way and feed them from the truck.” We had to drive very slowly, as the cattle were literally licking our windows.

When we finally reached the site, we parked and descended into a dry creek bed. I had inquired about snakes and was told that the drought had caused any snakes to leave to find water. In fact, we never saw one. We began to dig, , and saw quite a few pretty quartz stones, and some that looked very like Topaz, but turned out to be Quartz. We had a great tailgate lunch made by Vickie, and gazed at some breathtaking Texas scenery. Jack even found a partial arrowhead. In the town of Mason we brought what we had found to have in appraised. They were all pieces of quartz; but we had the privilege of viewing some beautiful topaz that had been found by others on the Mason ranches.

When we left, we were tired, but filled with memorable experiences. Our talk started with,”Well!” This was a big waste of time!” It ended with, “This was a great day! I’m really glad we got to do this!”

St. Augustine wrote, “Your love must migrate. Cast off your mooring from creatures; moor yourself to the Creator. Change your love, change your fear; the only things that make good or bad lives are good or bad loves. (Sermon 313A) Augustine’s words, spoken in the early 400’s AD have been strong enough to last at least until the twenty first century,with fresh signs of renewal in new publications of his writings. For our love to migrate,, we must leave behind some “love”in order to reach our migrating goal. “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

We didn’t find any Topaz, but we were surrounded by pristine nature, and accompanied by friends whom we value more and more. Everyone of us cherishes the experience, and has thanked our Father God for His gift.

Love in Him,

Prue