A Lesson, Thinking About a Raw Gemstone Ring

 It's funny, honestly, the only true reservation I had about a raw gemstone ring is that it's so unique I will be more sad if it gets lost.

      I haven't been able to find my raw quartz gemstone ring for several months now. I really liked wearing it, and don't like thinking about how I might not ever find it. 

      And the one that I got to replace it? It really doesn't feel the same at all, and when I first got it I didn't even like it because I was comparing it to the one that I had lost. 

      But I'm glad that I'm not running away from this anymore. Because the reality is the most important things in life are not things that can be replaced. The most important things are not things; these are not what's they are who's, and once we lose a who, there is no way around the devastation.

      A raw gemstone ring is still only a "what".

      And yes, that doesn't mean I can't be disappointed or sad when I lose it. But I choose these kinds of rings to begin with because I like the raw, unique, and natural beauty of them. 

       And is this not the way of life? 

       The people I love, the animals I love, the trees and plants and parks and parts of the city I love; none of these can be replaced. If they can be restored or found that is where the value is. 

       And similar beauty and different aspects to appreciate can be common to them and others, but on an individual level they can never be replaced.

       So while it is disappointing to not be able to find my original ring, as soon as I was able to see the new one for what it is and not just in comparison or in my mind as a replacement for the other, suddenly this new one although different and less rough and more clear than the other, was something I began to appreciate in its own right. And perhaps this is a better way for me to be; not so caught up on comparison, when it is non-comparability itself that is often so special anyway.

       I am still a sentimental sap. But I'm a sentimental sap who is grateful for lessons to be found even in little things and little experiences that will make life that much more whole and wonderful. For when we can live according to what is more important, our lives become more whole.