Appreciating the Beauty Around Us

Do you ever look at things but not really look at what is in front of you?  You know, you see something day in and day out and you become so accustomed to seeing it, that you become desensitized to it?  Or maybe you do take notice, but in the rush of your busy schedule, you don't really stop to fully appreciate whatever it is you are seeing.  

This morning, as I was backing out of my driveway, I looked to my left to make sure there were no cars coming before I backed into the street, and I was taken back by the huge sun that was right in my vision.  It was gorgeous.  This morning was not the first morning I have had the opportunity to enjoy this sight, but it was really quite breathtaking.  The sun was low enough in the sky that it was fairly large.  It was a deep orange color (Randy says, that proves God is a Longhorn - Texas Longhorn that is).  Bright, but not so bright you couldn't look at it, and there were no clouds around it.  As I drove away, I called Randy to tell him about it and suggest he go out and take a look at God's amazing creation and know that it would be changing very quickly.   I did not stop to take a picture this morning from my driveway, although I did take one a couple of days ago, and I confess I took one this morning after I was on the road (I know, not very smart) and already it was growing smaller in the sky and was becoming obscured by clouds.  

What is my point?  The importance of appreciating the beauty around us everyday, and if you will allow me, appreciating the wonder of God's creation.  We see things around us everyday and yet we are in such a hurry that we don't really take the time to fully recognize and appreciate what is right in front of us.  This extends to all facets of our life as well.  The people around us, the little things people do for us that make our lives easier, that demonstrate their love and appreciation.  The kindnesses shown by strangers to us.  Rather than feeling like we deserved that pause, that wave, letting us move into that lane of traffic, giving us a compliment, even if it is small, how great would it be if we all started noticing the kindness and beauty around us?  Perhaps we might even begin to extend those kindnesses back or pass them on to someone else, even to strangers.  What a difference that could make in the world and who knows, it just might circle back to us!  

Let's all do our part to make this world a better place in which to live! And when you can, take a picture of it so you can enjoy it again and again! 

Enjoy these images and I hope they will be some joy to your day!